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Trusted Lawrence Motorcycle Accident Attorneys On Your Side

Motorcycle accidents are traumatic experiences that, more often than not result in serious injuries requiring intensive medical treatment such as surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. This long-term treatment typically means that the motorcyclist is not able to work for an extended period of time, all while medical bills keep mounting higher and higher. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, medical bills should not be a cause of stress and worry. An injured motorcyclist deserves an experienced advocate to pursue full compensation for damages such as medical bills and wage loss.  A Lawrence motorcycle accident attorney from Joseph, Hollander & Craft can help.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle riders are quite attentive to safety on the roadway because they are mindful of the increased risk of injuries in the event of a crash.

A large percentage of vehicle collisions involving a motorcycle and another passenger vehicle such as a car or truck are the result of distracted or careless drivers rather than bikers. It is common for car and truck drivers to be on the lookout for other cars and trucks and to fail to watch for motorcycles, which are smaller and easier to overlook.

This oversight is particularly common in situations where a motorist does not see an oncoming motorcycle and turns in front of it—causing the biker to crash into the larger vehicle. Even though the motorcyclist struck the other vehicle, the car driver was at fault for failing to properly yield. In so many accidents like this, the motorcyclist sustains serious injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause injuries that are more severe than injuries seen in collisions involving only passenger vehicles. This is due to the fact that passenger vehicles are made of large metal frames and have safety features built in to protect the occupants. A motorcyclist does not have this protection. Getting thrown from a motorcycle and forcefully hitting the pavement commonly results in injuries such as:

• Back and Neck Injuries– The middle to lower half of the back is called the thoracic spine.  It is the area of the spine that is most frequently injured in a motorcycle collision. However, any part of the neck or back can be seriously damaged in a motorcycle accident. Severe injuries involving spinal cord damage can result in paralysis.
• Fractures – When a rider is thrown off the bike, it is instinctual to throw up hands and arms to protect the head and face. This can easily cause fractures or broken bones when the biker hits the ground at high speed. Additionally, broken bones can occur if the rider is run over or hit by an oncoming vehicle.
• Head Injuries– When the head is subject to any blunt force, it can result in serious damage to the brain, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The symptoms of TBI can include blurred vision, headaches, loss of consciousness, and nausea or vomiting. TBIs typically cause long-term deficits with memory, concentration, and the ability to perform tasks.

Motorcycle accidents may also result in amputation injuries, burn injuries, road rash, and more.

No matter what kind of injury is at issue, a Lawrence motorcycle accident attorney from JHC can help you recover the compensation you need to address the impact of the wreck on your body and your life. Call us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Motorcycle Accidents

 What kind of evidence is needed for a motorcycle accident injury claim?

While every motorcycle accident injury case is different, some basic types of evidence will often be needed to make a successful claim for damages. Your Lawrence motorcycle accident attorney can help answer any questions you have about damages:

• Liability: In a motorcycle collision, determining liability involves more than just the information contained in a police report. The scene of the accident can help provide clues and information regarding the circumstances leading up to and potentially causing the collision. At Joseph, Hollander & Craft, we will use the information from the scene of the accident, photographs of all the vehicles involved, and any roadway signage to identify the party at fault for the accident. We will also talk to eyewitnesses and get their statements describing how the collision took place.
• Medical records: Medical records describing the injuries sustained as a result of a motorcycle accident are another type of evidence that is essential to a claim for damages. JHC’s personal injury attorneys will order all medical records and medical bills related to your injuries. We may also get reports from treating physicians to address common issues in motorcycle accident injury cases such as causation, the magnitude of the injuries, and any permanent disabilities.
• Lost wages: When the injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision cause any degree of disability that keeps you from being able to work, we will work up the lost wage element of your claim. If your injuries are so severe that they result in a permanent disability, we will hire the correct experts to address the life-altering disturbance to your career and life.

Why are motorcyclists more likely to suffer from severe injuries in a collision?

Motorcycles are unlike other motor vehicles in that they provide less protection to riders and passengers. Consequently, collisions involving motorcycles often result in injuries that are more catastrophic in nature, such as amputations, spinal cord damage, paralysis, TBIs, and death. Motorcyclists involved in a collision are more likely to suffer a severe injury because:

1. Motorcycles do not offer the benefit of a large metal frame surrounding the riders; this exposes the driver and passenger to direct impacts in the case of a crash.
2. Motorcycles are much more unstable than other forms of transportation because they usually travel on two wheels, instead of four.
3. Motorcycles and motorcycle riders are light and small. Therefore, impacts can result in a great amount of damage.
4. Motorcycles are not as large as other vehicles on the road, which makes it more difficult for other drivers to see them.