MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES?
Every accident is unique each has its own particular set of facts and circumstances, but there are general common causes of most motorcycle accidents. Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:
UNSAFE LANE CHANGES
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger cars and trucks and sometimes other motorists lose them in a blind spot or fail to check at all. What could be a simple honk of the horn for another car could spell disaster for an unseen motorcyclist.
DISTRACTED DRIVERS
Like many auto accidents, distracted driving accounts for a significant percentage of motorcycle collisions. Distractions include texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, interacting with others in the car, adjusting the radio, looking at a navigation system, or reaching for something.
OVERTAKING
Overtaking a motorcycle can often result in rear end collisions.
LANE-SPLITTING
This occurs when a motorcyclist operates between lanes, particularly in heavy traffic on the highway.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Bad road conditions are a fact of life in Rhode Island. But potholes that may lead to flat tires in cars and trucks can lead to swerving, dismounting, or flying over the handlebars for motorcyclists.
CAR DOORS
Blindly opening a car door into the path of a motorcycle is bad for the car but oftentimes worse for the rider.
WEATHER
Riding in inclement weather can hinder visibility and traction and presents a hazard for any vehicle, particularly a motorcycle.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is a major cause of all accidents, including motorcycles.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES?
While the majority of motorcyclists are fortunate to survive their accidents, more often than not they are left with severe injuries. These injuries may be permanent or require years of rehabilitation and medical care potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. These injuries may include:
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)
Even with a helmet on, the force generated by a crash can cause brain injuries that extend well beyond a mere concussion. Sometimes these injuries will not be symptomatic immediately, but the effects can be devastating.
NECK – BACK – SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Impact or whiplash to the neck and back can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in full or partial paralysis and respiratory problems.
ROAD RASH
Skin abrasions caused by sliding on pavement can result in agonizing pain, scarring, as well as a heightened risk of infection.
BIKER’S ARM
Oftentimes a motorcyclist’s arm is the first thing that makes contact with the road, frequently getting pinned under the bike itself. This can result in severe and permanent nerve damage.
BROKEN BONES AND INTERNAL INJURIES
With such a high degree of force broken bones and internal injuries and bleeding are commonplace in victims of a motorcycle accident.
FACIAL INJURIES
Whether from the pavement, a burn, or broken glass and debris, facial lacerations and fractures are a common and unfortunate result of motorcycle accidents. Severe cases may involve plastic surgery or partial transplants.
DEATH
Unfortunately, a significant percentage of motorcyclists and their passengers do not survive the crash. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident you may have the option to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Marin and Barrett, Inc. if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island. We can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to and we are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271.
HOW MUCH IS MY RHODE ISLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH? WHAT DAMAGES AM I ENTITLED TO?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused wholly or partially by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. These monetary damages may include:
ECONOMIC DAMAGE – such as tangible out of pocket costs which are often established with bills and invoices
- Medical expenses, including past, present, and future bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Transportation costs
- Costs of medical devices and modifications and accommodations to your home or vehicle
- Costs of assistive devices
- Expenses for in-home healthcare and household services
- Lost wages, both from missed work and missed future earning potential
- Household bills
- Damage to your motorcycle
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES – which include general intangible damages. These damages affect quality of life, but are oftentimes more significant, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Anxiety and post-traumatic stress (emotional distress)
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Lifestyle Impairment
PUNITIVE DAMAGES – In some instances the responsible party’s conduct is so egregious that punitive damages are appropriate as a means of punishment and a deterrent to future bad conduct.
In the event that a loved one has died in a motorcycle accident you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for those left behind. Of course no amount of money can bring your loved on back or provide adequate compensation, but you nevertheless may be able to recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Every case is different and the amount and type of damages to which an individual is entitled varies greatly from case to case. If you are a loved one feel you are entitled to compensation, call our motorcycle injury attorneys today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
CAN I RECOVER IF I WAS ALSO AT FAULT IN CAUSING MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
Even if you are partially or even mostly responsible for the accident, you still may be entitled to damages. Under Rhode Island General Law 9-20-4 Rhode Island is considered a comparative negligence state. What this means is that even if a plaintiff is partially responsible for an accident, he or she may still be able to recover damages if they can establish that another party is also at fault. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t be discouraged by the fact that you may feel responsible. Call us today, there is no obligation and the call and consultation are free.
WHAT IF I WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET DURING MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
While wearing a helmet is certainly safer than not, it is only required in certain instances. Rhode Island General Law 31-10.1-4 only requires that motorcycle operators where helmets if they are either under 21 years old, or have had their motorcycle license for less than one year. Do not be deterred if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY STATISTICS
There is a lot to love about riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are fun and exhilarating, fuel efficient, and riders share a sense of camaraderie on the open road. Unfortunately, riding can be extremely dangerous even when the driver takes every imaginable precaution. Part of the allure of riding is that there is nothing separating the rider from the wind and the open road – this is also what makes it so dangerous. Between the size discrepancy between motorcycles and other vehicles on the road and the relatively low level of protection for riders, oftentimes even the most basic accidents can have catastrophic consequences.
While motorcycles only account for 3% of registered vehicles on our roads, motorcycles account for nearly 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities, meaning a motorcycle rider is nearly five times as likely to be killed in an accident as another motorist. While the majority of motorcyclists and their passengers involved in a collision do survive, the death rate is alarming: 24.8%, meaning that nearly a quarter of motorcyclists tragically do not survive the accident. The figures for Rhode Island motorcycle accidents are even higher, with motorcycle accident deaths accounting for 20% of roadway fatalities.
One thing is clear, regardless of who is at fault, it is typically the rider who suffers the most severe consequences of a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, make sure you obtain every dollar you are entitled to. Call our attorneys today, our consultations are confidential and at no cost to you. We are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271.
PROVIDENCE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Motorcycle riding certainly has its benefits, and the freedom and camaraderie are undeniable. But accidents do happen, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident you may have the right to seek financial compensation. The money you recover can help to cover expensive medical bills, make up for lost income while you recover from your injuries, and compensate you for the emotional stress of the accident and your injuries.
At Marin and Barrett, Inc., our team of Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you assert your legal rights and recover the money you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 401-228-8271 for a free, no obligation case review and consultation.
To Learn More About Your Rights and Receive a Free Initial Consultation from local
Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Attorneys, Contact us 24/7 at 401-228-8271
YOU ONLY PAY IF WE WIN
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH MY RHODE ISLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
First thing is first, be sure to get the medical attention you need. Once you do that, the bills will start pouring in and the expenses add up in a hurry. Realistically you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The evidence you may need is often the freshest shortly after the accident, and you can rest assured that the party or parties responsible for your injuries will be gearing up for their own legal fight and you will not want to be left behind.
