Motorcycles do not have the design or protective features other types of vehicles possess. With only a helmet and pads to serve as protection and no steel barrier insulating the operator, riders lose their lives at a much higher rate in accidents than do drivers of cars. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, an Austin motorcycle accident attorney at the Dow Law Firm, will seek compensation for your medical bills, emotional trauma, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. Reach out today by calling us at 512-240-9951 or contact us online.
Overcoming Bias in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcyclists are sometimes regarded as free-spirited and adventurous. Sadly, this perception can present itself in a court of law. When a motorcycle and another vehicle are involved in an accident, the motorcyclist is often assumed to be the responsible party, even if they were the victim. That is why it is imperative to have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer on your side who can deliver irrefutable facts on your behalf.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Austin, TX understand the uphill battle you face in terms of perception and will fight to identify who is to blame.
While motorcyclists are thought to speed, weave through traffic, and engage in reckless behavior on the road, drivers of all vehicles are capable of this behavior. We understand the uphill battle you face in terms of perception and fights to identify who is to blame, whether it is another motorist, the manufacturer, or road conditions.
The Danger of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants in a car. Wearing a helmet is the simplest and most effective means of improving your chances of survival in an accident. Yet, even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at a serious disadvantage, as they are exposed and do not have seatbelts. This means side impacts will result in a blow to the body and collisions from behind will often result in ejections.
Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
There are many scenarios in which motorcyclists are victims in an accident. Whether because they misjudged the speed of a motorcycle or did not account for their presence, it is not uncommon for cars to cut off bikers. Sudden lane changes, often an effect of distracted driving and inattentiveness, is another serious recurring problem. Regardless of the cause of the accident, there are severe, long-lasting, and often fatal outcomes that may result.
Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Fracture
- Amputation
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injury
- Paralysis
- Death
Motorcycle Accident Statistics You Need to Know
Motorcycle accident statistics reveal that motorcycles have much higher fatality and personal injury rates than other modes of transportation. They also show that other motorists cause accidents two-thirds of the time. In such cases, the other driver can be held liable for medical costs, lost past and future wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you were injured or someone you love passed away in a motorcycle accident, you could receive significant compensation. Austin motorcycle accident lawyers at the Dow Law Firm can help. If you live in Austin, TX, give us a call and find out more.
Staying Aware of the Risks
Just how dangerous are motorcycle accidents? Consider:
- Motorcyclists wind up in an accident 6 percent of the time they ride
- Motorcyclists are five times more likely to get injured than car passengers traveling on the same road
- More than 95 percent of motorcycle accidents result in some sort of injury
- Riders suffer moderate to severe injuries in 45 percent of motorcycle accidents
- Approximately three in four motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than other automobile drivers
Consequently, a successful suit for a motorcycle accident will often result in compensation for you and your family.
How Age Plays a Factor in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycling is very popular among riders aged 40 and above. According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 54 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen to riders in this age group. In contrast, fatality rates in riders 39 years old and younger have dropped in recent years from 24 to 19 percent.
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet When You Ride
Wearing a helmet is one of the biggest factors in preventing head and neck injuries in motorcycle accidents. While helmets save lives and reduce the likelihood of serious injury, they are not always required. In Texas, riders 21 years old and older are exempt from having to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle operator safety training course or can prove they are covered by an applicable health insurance plan.
How an Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Motorcycle accident victims may be eligible to receive damages for past and anticipated medical bills, property damage, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, disability, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. Our Austin motorcycle accident attorneys understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial pain that accident victims face after a serious injury. We’ll examine police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence to build a strong case on your behalf and seek maximum damages to cover your costs.
Call us today at 512-240-9951 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.