Enjoying the open road is one of the great aspects of riding a motorcycle. There’s nothing to keep away the warmth of the sun or the wind in your face. While motorcycle riders get a completely different experience on the road than someone driving a car, they also have more significant risks. In the event of an accident, a motorcyclist can be severely injured. If you or a loved one was harmed in a motorcycle accident, Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP may be able to help you with your case. Our skilled Morris motorcycle accident lawyer will stand by your side so you can get the compensation you deserve.
When you’re trying to recover from injuries, you’re probably not thinking about the legal process of filing a claim or lawsuit for compensation. However, the insurance company may already be on a mission to settle the case and resolve the matter. While you may want to accept the settlement just to get it over with, you will likely have an unfavorable settlement that will not help you recover from all the financial losses you are entitled to as a result of the accident. Our lawyers have handled motorcycle accidents before and will fight to maximize your result.
Motorcycle Accident Causation Study
The Federal Highway Administration conducted a study on motorcycle wrecks that looked into contributing factors causing crashes. The data pool consisted of 351 injury crashes and 702 paired control observations. Looking at general data trends from 1994 to 2015, the study showed that while fatalities from vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and bicyclists have decreased, motorcycle fatalities have increased.
When detailing causation of motorcycle crashes, the study breaks down factors including:
- Human
- Environmental
- Vehicle
Likely human factors include the biker’s age, health, experience, and level of fatigue. The study also mentioned those driving cars could be distracted by their phone, reaching for an object in the car, or daydreaming. Drivers can also misjudge distance or speed.
Some environmental factors that could make a motorcycle crash more likely include the weather, level of visibility, and the road’s lighting. The road’s traffic patterns can also affect crashes. If the road typically has more traffic, a higher speed, and includes fixed objects like parked cars, then an accident may be more likely to occur.
A motorcyclist could also have vehicle issues that contribute to accidents. If there are manufacturing problems with the tires, braking system, handlebars, or headlights, the motorcyclist could lose control and crash.
A motorcycle accident that happened to a Morris biker demonstrates some of the causes above. The biker sustained severe injuries in a wreck that happened in the 3000 block of Cemetery Road. When a person driving a car was turning left into a driveway, they hit the motorcyclist, who was then transported to the hospital. This accident happened at 5:30 p.m. It’s possible the driver had trouble seeing the motorcyclist because they weren’t looking for a smaller object and the evening light made for dimmer conditions.
Our Morris motorcycle accident attorneys are aware of the numerous factors that could have contributed to your crash. When we investigate your case, we’ll look for every detail to give us a clear picture of what happened. Here are some examples of the types of injuries that can occur in motorcycle wrecks.
Road Rash and Other Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcyclists are exposed to the road’s elements in a crash. They don’t have an autobody’s protection to absorb the impact. When an accident occurs, the motorcyclist will likely lose their balance and fall off the bike. This can lead to very serious injuries.
Road rash is one of the injuries that motorcyclists can get when they fall off their bike. Their skin makes contact with the ground and the friction can cause burns.
There are various degrees of burn severity, but you should always see a doctor after an accident no matter how you feel.
- First-degree. This is the mildest type of road rash. The top later of skin may be red and appear to look like sunburn. It will not likely need much professional treatment.
- Second degree. A second-degree burn can affect the skin underneath the outer layer. One of the dangers at this degree is that debris from the road like dirt or gravel can enter the wound. If this is left untreated, the wound can become infected. Medical professionals will clean the wound and make sure there isn’t any debris left in the injured area. As the wound heals, scarring may occur.
- Third-degree. At this degree, the burn could reach down to the muscle or bone. The concern with debris is still present at this level and immediate medical care is required. Treatment for these injuries could include skin grafts. After a third-degree burn, the limb could have permanent nerve damage and scarring.
But burns are only one concern for motorcyclists. They can also suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones (including spinal cord injuries)
When you’ve been seriously injured, you deserve to know that you have people on your side. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Morris will always look out for your best interests and strive to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP Will Protect Your Rights
After a motorcycle collision, you’ll want to do everything possible to protect your claim. Having a Morris motorcycle accident lawyer at your side can help you. Our lawyers will fight for your compensation to help you pay for your past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages if you’ve had to miss work, and other damages like the pain and suffering you’ve experienced and will experience moving forward as well as loss of a normal life. You shouldn’t have to worry about the insurance company trying to make you settle for less than you deserve. We won’t let that happen.
To get started on your case, contact our firm today. Our first meeting is a no-obligation consultation. We’ll go over the details of your case and can answer any questions you may have. The sooner you start your case, the sooner you could reach a resolution. With the help of an experienced injury lawyer, you’ll be able to put your time and energy into recovering from your injuries instead of worrying about dealing with an insurance company.
