Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most devastating and life-altering types of accidents. Unfortunately, they occur far too frequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, there were over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities in the United States alone. This represents 14% of all traffic-related deaths. Motorcyclists are also 29 times more likely to be killed in an accident than those in passenger cars. These numbers make it clear that motorcycle accidents can have serious consequences.
There are a number of factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents. One of the most common causes of these accidents is the failure of other drivers to see motorcycles on the road. This can lead to drivers cutting off motorcyclists or turning in front of them, causing a collision. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, alcohol or drug impairment, and road hazards such as potholes or debris in the road. It’s important to note that motorcyclists can also be at fault for accidents, such as when they ride recklessly or fail to follow traffic laws.
As the leading cause of personal injury and fatality in America, motorcycle accidents can happen in almost any situation and can be caused by countless factors. Although there are many unique forms of motorcycle accidents, there are a few general types of accidents that insurance companies, accident reports, and personal injury claims will use to classify and describe the incident that occurred.
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions involve the impact of one car’s front side into a rider’s back side. These can range in damage, severity, and potential for injury depending on a variety of circumstances, including speed and distance. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of motorcycle accidents, amounting to 29.6% of all U.S. motorcycle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Side Impact
Any accident in which one vehicle hits the side of another is considered a side impact. Sometimes referred to as “T-bone,” side impacts can occur when one car runs a stop sign and hits the side of a motorcycle in the process of making a turn or passing through the intersection. The NHTSA reports that 28.9% of automobile accidents in the U.S. are side impact crashes.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide front to front, or when a single vehicle hits a stationary object headfirst. Head-on collisions have a high potential for causing injuries and can be caused by a variety of situations, including the swerving of a vehicle into oncoming traffic. Around 2% of accidents in America are head-on collisions.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
There are many separate types and causes of single-vehicle accidents. Runoffs, road departures, and collisions with stationary objects are a few examples.
Any injury large or small can seriously impact the quality of your life and you deserve compensation for your pain. We have seen it all when it comes to accident injuries and we know how extensive and expensive treatment can be for various injuries. Our expert attorneys are familiar with injuries such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Neck
- Paralysis
- Chest/Rib Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Whiplash
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Cuts/Contusions/Scrapes
- Broken and/or Fractured Bones
- Jaw Injuries
- Tooth Loss
- Pelvic Injuries
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The lawyers at The Garza Law Firm are experienced professionals who will stand up to the insurance companies so you can focus on what matters, healing and getting back to your life.
Deciding to go it alone with the insurance company can be a costly and stressful decision. We often return settlements in higher multiples than if you are not represented by an attorney at all. We have the experience and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.
Some of the ways we help:
- Identify all defendants and insurance coverages
- Communicate directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- Build your case by gathering all documentation such as police reports, lost wages information and medical records
- Document all damages and staying on top of your medical care
- Establish fault for the defendant and provide recommendations so you can make informed decisions regarding your case
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Our consultations are always free, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and a wealth of knowledge, experience and care to gain by reaching out to us or chatting directly with our support here on this website.
How much is my motorcycle accident worth?
Without knowing all the factors in your motorcycle accident claim, NO ONE can initially determine what your case is worth. It is important to tell your version of the story, identify the liable party, complete medical treatment, and have an experienced personal injury attorney review your case during this process.
If your accident had an immediate price tag, there would not be an opportunity to present your specific case, potentially risking thousands of dollars, or the entire claim. We have settled thousands of personal injury cases and we know for a fact that no two accidents are alike.
Our goal will always be to serving you by recovering the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your accident. Our proven method of presenting a professional and persuasive case that is supported with evidence, medical documentation, and measurable treatment like physical therapy ensures you will receive a fair settlement.
When should I go to the doctor?
If your accident was more than a fender bender, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Often people assume that the initial bumps and bruises do not seem serious and they decide to avoid seeing a doctor. However, if the onset of serious injury is delayed, the failure to have a medical complaint recorded can affect your chances of recovery.
Neck and back injuries like herniated disks are not always determined immediately. Often they are diagnosed initially as “soft-tissue” injuries before a CT scan or MRI reveals a disc injury. X-ray film is generally not able to diagnose disc injuries.
The bottom line is that if you were rear-ended, sideswiped, or t-boned you likely suffered trauma. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, you have nothing to lose by seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately Following an Accident
It may be a minor fender bender or soft rear end collision, but internally your body has suffered a massive shock. Motorcycle accident victims are often convinced they are fine because the surprise of the unexpected collision has caused their body to pump adrenaline through their body and this masks immediate pain. They may deny medical treatment on the spot or decline to visit a doctor because they do not realize they have been injured.
From a medical standpoint we know that internally we may have suffered muscular tears, internal bleeding, organ damage, or possible brain injury. It is difficult to determine this without speaking to a medical professional first.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible!
Furthermore, from a legal perspective, having gaps in treatment or not showing any record of an attempt to be treated will reflect poorly on your personal injury claim. Insurance companies require detailed medical records and consistent treatment history or there will be no evidence to support your claim.
Collect Information / Take Photos
Once you have made sure everyone is safe and your injuries are not severe, it is a good idea to begin collecting as much information as possible. Drivers should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information. Take pictures of damaged vehicles, license plates and any relevant evidence that helps understand what occurred, such as debris in the road or confusing construction signs.
Accident Reports Provide Your Attorney with Essential Information
If you are able to speak to an officer on the scene, be sure to obtain an accident report as this evidence can be crucial in determining liability. You should never admit fault to a police officer at the scene. Even if you feel responsible or guilty in anyway, only tell the officer what happened from your perspective.
If you admit fault, the officer will include that in their accident report.
Let your attorney review the report and evidence with the insurance company to determine liability. If you feel as though your report contains errors or inaccurately places you at fault, you should contact your attorney for counsel.
The Insurance Company is NOT on Your Side
After a motorcycle accident the goal of the insurance company is to pay the smallest possible amount to settle your case. Remember that insurance companies make billions of dollars a year in profit by fighting tooth and nail with high-priced defense attorneys to pay out as little in claims as possible while raking in billions in premiums.
Often the insurance companies will pressure motorcycle accident victims to give recorded statements or sign medical authorization release forms that expose your health history. This information is used against you to limit how much they pay for your claim.
We know how to deal with insurance companies, we know their tactics and we can help you by dealing with them directly. You were victimized by their client’s negligence and should not be made to feel guilty or that your damages do not matter.