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Motorcycle accidents are sadly a common consequence that comes with riding motorcycles.
When you ride a motorcycle, you are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than when riding in a passenger car.
The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be serious, life-threatening and deadly. Injuries range from bumps and scratches for the lucky ones to traumatic brain injuries and even death in the most grave cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a reputable attorney who can help you assess liability, recover lost wages and medical expenses and file a lawsuit for the negligent party, if applicable.
Because motorcycle riders are so vulnerable it is extremely important that all motorists learn to safely share the road with motorcycle riders. Drivers should slow down when approaching motorcycles and be extra vigilant because motorcycles can sometimes be hard to see due to their small size.
Motorcycles are less stable than cars and less visible to other drivers. In a motorcycle crash, motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than passenger vehicle occupants, and 5 times more likely to be hurt.
California ranks in the top 15 when it comes to states with the most motorcycle fatalities, according to the California Highway Patrol. Whether it’s a driver losing control, speeding, driving intoxicated or not being seen by another motorist, motorcycle riding can be a dangerous sport. Motorcycle-involved deaths have been on the rise for 22 years — especially in Southern California.
There are many types of accidents that can occur when you collide with a semi truck but the protocol for what to do after such an accident remains the same.
Seek legal help as soon as possible. Truck accidents are more complex than other auto accidents, be sure to find an experienced attorney who specializes in truck accident lawsuits.
If you are involved in a semi accident, stay at the scene until help arrives. Call 911 immediately and wait there or you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident and/or hit-and-run.
If you need to move your motorcycle for safety reasons or because it is blocking traffic, and you can do so safely, pull it over to the side of the road. Turn your hazard lights on. By waiting for the police, you have an independent third party at the scene of the accident who has the authority to ask for the driver’s identity, registration, and insurance information.
Never tell the driver or police that you are “okay.” This can be used against you in court at a later date. In fact, you don’t even know if you really are okay until you have been cleared by a doctor. Seemingly minor injuries may develop into serious and permanent injuries. When asked if you are alright, simply say "I don't know".
Never try to negotiate with the at-fault driver. The driver may not give you accurate information about his or her identity, insurance coverage, or vehicle ownership. Many drivers who cause a crash will apologize at the scene and accept blame for the collision, but later, after they have had time to consider the consequences of their negligence, will deny that they were negligent. They may even deny that they were even at the accident scene!
The police officer will be responsible for taking photos of the scene and collecting any evidence for the official police report but you should still take your own pictures as well. Document any damage to the road such as skid marks, damage to the driver’s vehicle as well as your car and any injuries that you have sustained.
If you are able, get the names and insurance information of other people involved in the accident. Also make note of the location of the accident and conditions at the time of the accident, including weather conditions and time of day. Take any photos that you can of the scene, all vehicles involved and any injuries. Only do this from a safe place and don’t put yourself in danger or in traffic to take photos. The police and/or insurance adjuster will also come to take photos and collect evidence. Important information to collect after a truck accident: The license plate of the truck and any other identifying information (make/model). Names and contact information of all drivers and any witnesses.
The likelihood of injury in motorcycle accidents is extremely high. According to the NHTSA, most fatal and incapacitating injuries are sustained when the point of impact is the front of the motorcycle. Here are some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents:
Traumatic brain injuries
In a study conducted by NHTSA on 104,472 motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes, 15 percent of helmeted and 21 percent of unhelmeted riders suffered TBI.
Spinal cord injuries
When the spinal cord is injured from the impact of a collision, it can result in paralysis.
Lower-extremity injuries
The NHTSA found that leg injuries were the most common lower-extremity injury, and bone fractures were more common than soft-tissue injuries.
Internal injuries
Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding can be caused by blunt-force trauma.
Fractures
Crashes happen quickly, and the rider’s leg can be under the bike when it falls. Wrists and arms can be fractured when riders catch themselves to break a fall.
Road rash
When a rider makes contact with the road surface during a crash, serious skin abrasions called “road rash” can happen. The severity of this type of injury can range from mild to serious injury that will require prompt medical attention.
Trucks have bigger blind spots than cars. Be sure not to drive in these zones. A good rule of thumb to abide by is that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you.
Never try and pass a commercial truck until you can see it in your rearview mirror and always give them extra space. Never pass trucks on downgrades, where they tend to pick up speed. If a truck is trying to pass you, stay to the right, slow down and give them room.
Recognize that trucks need more room to maneuver and may swing wide. Never block the box at intersections and never try to squeeze by a turning truck and the curb.
Use common sense on the roads. Stay alert, never drive under the influence, avoid distractions and always buckle up.
If you move in front of a truck too quickly, you might be in a blind spot and could get hit. Remember that a truck needs way more space than a car to come to a complete stop in an emergency.
Don’t tailgate. Never ride on a truck’s bumper because this not only puts you in their blind spot but it also increases your danger of sliding under the truck if there is a crash.
Big rigs do not operate the same way that passenger cars do and they need longer to accelerate due to their massive weight. Don’t be aggressive because that can cause a distraction that leads to an accident.
Hiring a personal injury attorney will give you the time you need to heal and get back on your feet while entrusting an experienced legal professional to get you the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to remember that in these situations, insurance companies are not on your side. They will try to take advantage of the fact that you aren’t familiar with the laws or with insurance claims processes and they will offer you a settlement that will not cover all of your costs. When you hire an experienced attorney you will get the compensation that you deserve.
There also may be more than one party at fault for the accident and the legal process can get quite complex, but an attorney will be well-versed in these types of situations and will not be intimidated by multiple parties or insurance companies.
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