Some people love the freedom of riding their motorcycles. Some other people see motorcycles in an entirely different light. It’s no secret that many have prejudices against motorcyclists. When motorcycle riders are injured, a lot of people tend to start with the unconscious bias that the motorcyclist was probably at fault. The problem is compounded by the fact that judges and jurors overwhelmingly get around by car, not by motorcycle, and tend to see cases from the automobile driver’s point of view.
When a motorcycle and another vehicle collide, for obvious reasons the motorcyclist almost always comes out the worse. Often, the injuries are serious. A motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of passenger cars (per vehicle mile driven), according to National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. While motorcyclists can and should take personal safety measures, they can only do so much. For example, NHTSA reports that helmets are only 37% effective in preventing operator fatalities. While it is important to wear a helmet, that means that in 63% of the fatal collisions, the driver would be killed even if they were wearing a helmet.
The Right Lawyer Can Make All the Difference after a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle riders are subject to all of the risks and hazards of driving that auto drivers are subject to, and then some. Car drivers tend to do better at seeing other cars than they do at seeing motorcycles, for example. “I never saw him” is a common refrain, even when the crash happened in full daylight on a level, straight road. Witnesses often get motorcyclist speed estimates wrong: as a small, louder vehicle, motorcycle speeds are consistently overestimated by bystanders.
When a motorcyclist is hurt in a crash, they need an advocate in an automobile-dominated world. We have represented motorcyclists ranging from casual weekend riders to Harley dealers to committed members of various motorcycle clubs. We work to bring justice to injured motorcyclists. If you think you have a motorcycle injury case, contact us right away.
Speak With A Eugene, OR
Motorcycle Attorney Today
Tell us how we can be of service and one of our team members will contact you.
The Corson & Johnson Law Firm has earned the highest recognition for professional excellence and ethical conduct, including being named in the U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms. Attorneys at the firm have been named in Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Don Corson is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The Corson & Johnson Law Firm has been named by Expertise as one of the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Eugene.
Don Corson – Founding Partner
Common Causes of Serious and Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Alcohol or drug use by either driver
Speeding by either driver
Roadway imperfections or construction
Auto driver reduced perception of motorcycles
Poor weather conditions
Fatigue or sleepiness of either driver
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
One of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury disrupts normal brain function. Some effects are minor, but more serious brain damage effects can include loss of memory, impairment of balance, light sensitivity, decreased brain processing speed, impairment of normal emotional function, damage to hormone systems, and other losses all of the way up to coma or death.
Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Injuries to the lower extremities (legs, ankles or knees)
Injuries to the upper extremities (arms, wrists or shoulders)
Internal bleeding
Internal organ damage
Road rash
Lacerations
Amputations
What Can a Lawyer Do for a Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you call us today, we’ll review your case for free. We’ll discuss your best potential options for compensation, and we’ll do our best to answer any legal questions you may have.
There’s no obligation to use our services after your free consultation. If you decide to hire our attorneys, we’ll promptly begin building your case by:
Investigating the accident scene and witnesses
Determine the factors contributing to the accident
Documenting and gathering evidence
Standing up to pushy insurance companies
Dealing with the hassle of complex paperwork
We’re committed to our clients. Determine the factors contributing to the accident. We’ll cover all the upfront costs, and you won’t pay us a cent unless and until we win your case.
Compensation for Motorcycle Crash Losses
Motorcycle crash injuries are frequently more serious than injuries from other vehicle crashes, with higher medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and other medical treatment.
A settlement or verdict for a motorcyclist takes into consideration multiple harms and losses, such as:
Lost income
Medical bills
Pain
Disfigurement
Future care needs
Disability
Limitations
