Riding motorcycles can be fun, especially on a clear and sunny day when the weather is perfect. Motorcycles accelerate faster and allow riders to experience the elements and scenery in a unique way.
Unfortunately, this experience comes with a cost, and motorcyclists are much more likely than other drivers to be killed or seriously injured in an accident.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it may be wise to consider hiring a West Unity motorcycle accident lawyer. A knowledgeable injury attorney can help you better understand your legal options, even if you are not sure who was at fault.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers of passenger vehicles have a moral and legal obligation to drive safely and exercise a reasonable amount of caution. This obligation is especially important when it comes to motorcycles, which are often difficult to see due to their small size.
Unfortunately, some motorists do not take this obligation seriously, and when they cause an accident, they should be held accountable. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Lack of driving experience
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Distracted driving
The term distracted driving refers to any behavior, such as eating or texting, that causes a driver to stop paying attention to the road. Texting is now a leading cause of motorcycle accidents across the country. If an accident is caused by any of the factors listed above, victims should immediately speak with a West Unity motorcycle accident attorney.
Establishing Fault
During the proceeding, legal officials will be tasked with finding out who is really at fault. This is not always easy, and even if a victim hires a West Unity motorcycle accident lawyer to represent them, there may still be challenges. In many cases, it is not always clear who caused a motorcycle accident, and court officials may assign varying amounts of blame to all of the parties involved in the case.
Like motorists, motorcyclists have an obligation to ensure their own safety to some degree, and if they do not follow the traffic laws set forth by the state, they may not be entitled to full compensation if an accident occurs.
It is important to note, however, that even if a motorcyclist is found partially responsible for their own crash, they may still be able to receive partial compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger cars, and motorcyclists are relatively unprotected compared to passengers in cars. Motorcyclists often sustain common injuries such as broken bones, scrapes and bruises, concussions, and lacerations, but they may also sustain the following severe injuries as well:
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Paralysis
- Brain trauma
- Permanent nerve damage
- Dismemberment of limbs
- Second and third-degree burns
The injuries listed above can be life-changing, and anyone who sustains them will more than likely need medical care for the rest of their lives. This medical care can be expensive, and with the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, victims may be able to obtain compensation.
Speaking With a West Unity Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you are probably angry and confused at the moment. This is understandable, especially since your injuries are probably painful and expensive. However, you can obtain compensation with the help of an experienced attorney. Reach out to a West Unity motorcycle accident lawyer today for additional information. A skilled legal advocate can work tirelessly to build your personal injury case and can help you recover the damages you deserve.