According to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation report, 81,000 injuries from crashes involving motorcycles were reported in the last year, and Indiana alone counts for 2,850 of those. While head injuries are the most common injury suffered for motorcycle riders involved in an accident, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries also are far too common.
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents, such as:
- Poor weather conditions,
- Lane-splitting by the motorcyclist,
- Inexperience or unfamiliarity with motorcycle operation,
- Roadway defects, and
- Inattention by the automobile driver or motorcyclist
But, by far, the most common cause involves:
- Automobile drivers who fail to see the motorcyclist.
The auto driver may be just backing out of a driveway or parking lot, changing lanes on the freeway or making a left-hand turn at an intersection, but that split second of inattention to their surroundings could result in a life-altering collision to a motorcyclist.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 42% (1,998) of motorcyclists in 2011 were killed in two-vehicle accidents, and 38% (757) of these were the result of another vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle that was either going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle.
In any accident, the motorcyclist could suffer:
- Facial fractures and disfigurement,
- Broken bones and burns,
- Limb amputations,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Paralysis, and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
It is very likely the the future of the victim will be irrevocably altered and will be faced with an unthinkable amount of medical expenses, inability to work for a significant amount of time—or forever—and may be forced to undergo rehabilitative therapy for years. Job retraining expenses, lost wages and severe levels of pain and suffering are all likely, as well.
Victims of severe accidents could require up to $250,000 in care in the first year alone. In addition to this initial debilitating financial situation, the lifetime amount required to care for a severe injury could easily reach into the millions.
The expenses involved could be devastating without the intervention of a highly-experienced attorney who understands how to obtain maximum compensation for the victim. My law firm has the necessary experience and knowledge to help our clients who have suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another.
I will be your advocate, ensuring your financial future is taken care of.
For experienced help after a motorcycle accident or to talk to me about your injury, contact James F. Ludlow, Attorney at Law, P.C. My firm can be reached toll-free at (877) 897-9466 or by filling out the simple form on the Contact Us page.
