Motorcycle Accidents: Common Injuries and How Compensation Works
In the United States, around 5,000 motorcyclists are killed each year and nearly 90,000 are injured. In New York, an average of 16 people are seen at the hospital each day as a result of motorcycle accidents. Thousands of motorcyclists who survive vehicle accidents are injured so severely that their lives will never be the same. The most common cause of fatal accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle is a car turning left and failing to notice a motorcycle. The vehicle hits the motorcyclist or the motorcyclist crashes into the side of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, the New York City metropolitan area is a breeding ground for accidents like these waiting to happen. Most recently, a 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed when a semi-truck made a left turn in front of him. The motorcyclist ran into the side of the truck and was killed instantly due to massive head injuries. In another similar incident, a Brooklyn biker was seriously injured when he ran into a minivan making a left turn in front of him.
Some of the most common types of Motorcycle Accident injuries include:
- Broken Bones are serious injuries that happen very fast by a tendency to lower the leg and stabilize the bike. The leg gets caught under the bike and breaks. Often the arms and wrists break when the bike goes down and the arms come out in a reflex action to break the fall. Pelvic and hip fractures are also common.
- A Traumatic Brain Injury happens when the head violently strikes another vehicle or the ground. These injuries range from minor concussions to permanent and serious injuries. Upon impact, the brain moves back and forth in the skull and the severity of the injury depends on the damaged location.
- Road Rash is when a motorcyclist’s body slides along the pavement. There are various degrees of road rash that can even be so severe, that they are considered life-threatening.
If you were a motorcyclist or passenger on a motorcycle and were injured in an accident with another vehicle, holding the driver liable for your injury involves the same process as in any other injury case. You must prove that it was the driver’s breach of his duty to drive that caused the accident and your resulting injury.
The aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, with escalating medical costs and lost income due to an inability to work. Understanding your rights regarding motorcycle accident road rash compensation and other damages is vital.
Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Claims
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: An expert witness will likely need to evaluate your case and determine whether you may need future medical or surgical care for your injury.
- Long-term nursing or medical care: Depending on the nature of your injury, you may need long-term nursing care. Some people with traumatic brain injuries need care for the rest of their lives.
- Rehabilitation costs: This includes current and future rehabilitation that is usually determined by expert testimony.
- Job Recruitment: If you’ve been injured so severely that you can’t return to your previous job, you may need job training.
- Current and future lost wages: If you are unable to return to your job or career, you are entitled to collect damages for the future amount you will lose due to your injury.
- Pain and suffering: This encompasses your emotional suffering as well as your physical pain.
- Property Damage: Payment for the loss of your motorcycle.
Motorcycle accidents are often overlooked as America’s leading motor vehicle danger. No matter the pre-existing conditions that a motorcycle may have regarding road safety, every driver (or rider) is entitled to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of compensation can you claim after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, you can typically claim compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, loss of consortium.
How are medical bills paid after a motorcycle wreck?
Medical bills after a motorcycle wreck can be paid through your health insurance, the at-fault party’s insurance, or potentially through a settlement or lawsuit. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the best approach for your specific situation.
Can I claim compensation if I was partly at fault for a motorcycle crash?
In many jurisdictions, you can still claim compensation even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is known as comparative negligence.
What is the average payout for a motorcycle leg injury?
The average payout for a motorcycle leg injury varies significantly based on the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle accident settlement?
The timeline for a motorcycle accident settlement can vary greatly. Simple cases might resolve within a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more.
