Flint Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
What are Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable not only because they lack protection, but because they are much smaller. This downside makes motorcycles more difficult for other motorists to notice while driving. It also means that motorcycles and their passengers are more likely to be thrown farther in the event of a wreck. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to the collision because other motorists don't keep a close enough eye out for them. Just 8% of households own a motorcycle, which gives us a general estimate of how common motorcycles are on US streets. Because motorcycles aren't as prevalent as regular passenger vehicles, drivers might be less likely to look out for them. For example, a motorcycle riding in a driver's blind spot or crossing through an intersection at a 2-way stop may be less likely to be seen by a motorist that is only watching for other passenger cars.Since motorcycles are more difficult to spot than other vehicles, motorcyclists must always drive defensively. Bikers can never assume that other motorists can see them, particularly the motorists of cars in front of them. Motorcycle crashes commonly occur when drivers:
- Pull out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway in front of a motorcycle;
- Make an abrupt turn in front of a motorcycle;
- Make a lane change in front of or broadside to a motorcycle; or
- Try to pass another car, and fail to spot the motorcyclist in either the passing lane or the target lane.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?
A motorcycle gives you little protection in an accident. This means your body ends up taking the full force of the impact with another vehicle.Often, this leads to serious and life-altering injuries to motorcycle crash victims. In fact, almost 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in just one recent year. While motorcycles just make up 3 percent of registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents result in 15 percent of all vehicle accident deaths. Not every motorcycle accident will lead to death, but it shows the seriousness these kinds of accidents result in.Some common injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputation
- Death
That's not to say that survivors can never return to a normal life, but it may take some time and effort, including physical rehabilitation. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation needed to pay for those treatments.
Liability for Flint Motorcycle Accidents
As these facts suggest, motorcyclists wounded in collisions are commonly the victims of negligence. Every negligence case is comprised of four major elements: a duty, a breach of that duty, an injury caused by the breach, and damages suffered by the plaintiff. Drivers of motor vehicles owe a duty of care to everybody else who uses public thoroughfares. That includes bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers-- including motorcyclists.When a motorist breaches that duty by being careless, intoxicated, tired, or distracted, and ends up causing a collision which results in injury or even wrongful death to another person, the motorist might be held civilly liable to the victim. He or she can seek a negligence claim with the help of a motorcycle crash attorney in Flint.A motorcyclist hurt in a collision might have a claim if he can demonstrate that another motorist was at fault. When a motorcycle driver has obeyed all of the traffic laws however is still involved in a collision, chances are that it has been caused by the driver of another vehicle. It could be not seeing the motorcyclist, speeding, being inebriated, or a combination of the three.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident, immediately call the police to make a report if they are involved in an accident. This is particularly true if there is an injury or fatality.If urgent medical help is necessary, render what aid you can, look for assistance, and call emergency medical help. If you are the one who is hurt, you should seek immediate medical aid. Even if your injury seems minor and you do not need immediate aid, it is a good idea to get medical care, as some injuries are not immediately noticeable.Furthermore, at the scene you need to collect the contact and insurance details for the other parties. And you also want contact info for independent witnesses, as investigating law enforcement don't always gather that info.Contact a motorcycle crash lawyer soon after the accident. We highly recommend that you do this prior to speaking with any insurance carrier.
Contact Our Flint Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
After your accident, in addition to talking to the police and receiving any necessary medical attention, you should contact a qualified and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accidents. Serving victims throughout the Flint area, the motorcycle crash lawyers at Marko Law can assist you.Too often, accident victims think that an insurance provider-- either their own or the other motorist's-- will properly compensate them for any injuries they have suffered. However, plenty of insurance providers are unwilling to pay, even when liability and damages are clear. This is particularly accurate when the injuries are substantial. Even when an insurer appears liable, be wary. Many adjusters will try to settle insurance claims quickly. They will advise you to sign an agreement that will allow them to close the case-- and thus reduce their exposure.Even if the offer appears adequate or even generous, it is important to make sure your legal rights are protected. Contact an attorney and be sure you know the consequences of the agreement.The truth is, not all injuries are readily apparent. And for some major injuries, even if you anticipate full recovery, you can not be certain that the full recovery you expect will materialize.In those situations, signing a release of claims prematurely can limit your settlement to an amount that is substantially less than what you need or what you legally have a right to recuperate. Serious injuries might include:
- Spine damage;
- Multiple broken bones;
- Extreme bruising and/or "road rash";
- Traumatic head injuries.
And, of course, some motorcycle crashes are fatal. If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle collision, speak to a lawyer to determine whether there's a wrongful death action to pursue against a negligent motorist.
Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation
If you are ready to start your case or need more information about a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Flint, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.
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