Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in an accident and ten times more likely to sustain severe injuries from such accidents. These motorcycle accidents make up a substantial percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of motorcyclists die in motorcycle accidents every year.
Motorcycle riders and their passengers are more susceptible to the hazards of road and weather conditions. If you were recently in such an accident, a Meaux motorcycle accident lawyer could help you with filing a claim as you might be entitled to financial compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Experts concur that riding a motorcycle after drinking alcohol is a substantial factor in motorcycle accident deaths across the United States. Drugs and alcohol can impair a motorcyclist’s judgment and perception of surrounding objects, leading to reckless and dangerous behavior. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Inattentive Driving
Most motorcycle accidents occur when other motorists fail to notice the motorcyclist on the road. Due to their small size, it may be hard for some drivers, especially those who aren’t paying attention, to see a motorcyclist. Drowsy driving or distracted driving may cause a collision. Since motorcycles are much smaller than the average vehicle, even a tiny tap at high speeds can send a bike crashing.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Riding a motorcycle on a poorly built or maintained road can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. These bikes can become easily unbalanced – uneven pavements, slippery roads, and potholes can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their motorcycles and crash.
Sudden Lane Changes
Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can sometimes be difficult to spot from large passenger vehicles and trucks. You could be involved in a motorcycle accident if a driver in such a vehicle makes a lane change without noticing you.
Improper Licensing
Operating a motorcycle on major roadways can be difficult. You must follow all traffic rules and watch other motorists as you’re more vulnerable. Consequently, motorcyclists must be adequately trained and licensed before getting on the road. Obtaining a motorcycle license through the correct channels is critical if you plan to ride a motorcycle in Meaux. Failure to do so endangers the rider and puts other road users at risk of an accident.
Lane Splitting
This refers to driving between two lanes of cars to try and escape the traffic. While this isn’t illegal, uncalculated or unseen movements from other motorists may result in an accident that could launch the rider off their motorcycle and onto the road. Motorcyclists should always take extra care on the road as they’re significantly more likely to get severe injuries and die than other motorists.
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How Can a Meaux Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
After a motorcycle accident, it might be a bit overwhelming trying to handle everything by yourself. You’ll most likely be injured and stuck in bed recovering from your wounds while your medical bills pile up. Your expenses won’t disappear either; if you have people who depend on you, losing your income can have significant consequences.
Filing a personal injury case and successfully negotiating a settlement is hard at times. Without legal representation, your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve may drop significantly. This is why you should consult a lawyer to help you understand and deal with the legalities of the claim while you focus on your recovery. When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your injury case, they will proceed to do the following:
- Make sure all the required paperwork is filed before the statute of limitations pass
- Explain your rights and advise you on the most appropriate legal action to take
- Conduct an investigation and gather evidence related to your accident
- Compose and send out a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance provider
- Review your medical records and police reports
- Interview witnesses present at the scene and record their statements
- Consult accident reconstruction experts to help establish liability in the case
- Handle all communications with the insurance providers on your behalf
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance providers
- Represent you in a court trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached
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Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Accident victims are often left injured, unable to work, and facing thousands of dollars in sudden medical bills. This is enough to plunge many families into financial ruin. Monetary damages are meant to prevent this eventuality by providing crash victims with a financial cushion to support them until they recover and earn a living again.
After reviewing your medical records and analyzing evidence from the crash site, your attorney will try to negotiate for a combination of the following damages:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of limb
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Wrongful death
Medical expenses typically include transportation, emergency treatment, hospital admissions, prescription medications, and follow-up visits.
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What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Treating your injuries should be your utmost priority after a motorcycle accident. Contact 911 and inform them of the crash as soon as you can. This will bring the police and paramedics to the accident scene. The EMTs will provide emergency treatment while the police survey the scene and collect evidence.
Make sure that you stick to your treatment plan and attend all follow-up visits to increase your chances of receiving total compensation. Calling the police to the scene will also benefit your injury case as you can use the police report of the crash to strengthen your injury claim. You can reach out to an attorney to discuss your legal options once you have received adequate medical care.
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Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
Motorcycle accidents commonly cause severe injuries. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Meaux, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. We have years of legal experience and have recovered over $600 million in personal injury settlements. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review.
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