This Guide examines several issues unique to motorcycle accidents and provides useful information to those who may have been recently injured.
1
What Kinds of Damages Might I Recover as a Result of Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to a cash settlement for your property damage, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost past and future earnings and other expenses. However, if you are not represented by counsel, the insurance companies will not treat you fairly. You need competent legal representation on your side to make it a fair fight. We are aggressive personal injury lawyers who represent injured motorcycle accident victims for a contingent fee, which means that we only charge a fee if we win you a judgment or a cash settlement.
2
What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles are becoming more and more common on our roadways. However, some motorists still do not know how to properly share the road with motorcycles. Many car drivers fail to notice motorcycles, or have poor speed-spacing judgment. If you’ve been injured by one of these motorists, we at the Levinson Law Group know the unique issues involved in motorcycle crashes, and we can help get you the justice you deserve. We understand that motorcycle riders are prone to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Motorcycle accident injuries have been increasing since 1998. Motorcyclists are eight times more likely to be injured than people riding in passenger cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are speeding, drivers changing lanes without noticing motorcycles, inexperienced motorcyclists, loss of control due to obstacles in the road, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
3
What Are Some Issues Unique to Motorcycle Collisions?
Most accidents involving motorcycles were not caused by the person riding the motorcycle. In 2004, 4,008 motorcyclists died and 76,000 were injured. Eleven percent of the injury crashes were with fixed objects. Just over one-third of the motorcyclists that died were speeding. Almost one-half of fatal accidents involved alcohol use. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries in motorcycle crashes. Helmets saved approximately 1,158 lives ,and could have saved another 640 if they were worn. A study done in 2003 showed that a motorcyclist is six times more likely to be injured than a car driver. The enhanced injury doctrine applies to product liability litigation arising from motorcycle accidents. This means that the motorcycle manufacturer can be held responsible for any injuries sustained in the accident that were caused by defects in the motorcycle, such as a defective gas tank.
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