Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2012, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes – an increase of 7 percent from the 4,630 motorcyclists killed in 2011. There were 93,000 motorcyclists injured during 2012, a 15-percent increase from 81,000 in 2011.
In 2012, motorcyclists accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, 18 percent of all occupant (driver and passenger) fatalities, and 4 percent of all occupants injured. Of the 4,957 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, 93 percent (4,625) were riders and 7 percent (332) were passengers (NHTSA).
The attorneys at SL Chapman are experienced motorcycle accident attorneys working to aid motorcyclists in their time of need and recovery. We maximize the compensation clients need to move forward following an accident. We go the extra mile to investigate your case, fight for the recovery you deserve, and help you get your life back on track.
The most common types of motorcycle accidents include:
- Motorcycle – Auto Collisions – most motorcycle accidents occur because car and truck drivers do not see bikers. Many motorcycle accidents occur because small bikes are hidden in blind spots or because motorcycles are harder to detect at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Rear-end collisions – while a rear-ending accident is often not very serious when two cars are involved, a motorcycle rear-end accident can often be deadly. Sudden stops can cause the bike to go end-over-end, throwing the rider and resulting in serious injury. A rear-end accident can throw the biker forward off his or her bike.
- Single bike accident – Motorcycles are susceptible to skidding, sliding, and toppling with their two wheels. These types of accidents are common during poor weather conditions and on curvy streets and roads. Uneven pavement and construction sites also are common areas where single bike accidents occur.
- Open door accidents – these most commonly occur in busy urban areas. Although people in parked cars may look quickly for oncoming cars, many times the do not see an oncoming motorcyclist and open their door directly into a motorcyclist’s path.
The moments following a serious motorcycle accident can make the difference between recovery and a life of permanent injury or disability. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eighty percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in serious injury. It is crucial that everyone involved in a motorcycle accident get medical attention regardless how minor the injuries may seem.
The injuries caused by an accident can be severely debilitating and require multiple surgical procedures to treat. The most common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Broken or shattered bones
- Burns
- Facial fractures
- Disfigurement
- Trauma to the head, neck and spine that can cause partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Injuries that require amputation
- Death of rider and or motorcycle passenger
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, you need a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. You need an attorney capable of defending your rights, and we are here to provide just that. We utilize some of the most highly qualified medical experts when building our case, painstakingly analyzing reports to correctly calculate the physical, emotional, and financial impact your injury has had on your life. At SL Chapman our attorneys have years of experience trying difficult and complex injury cases with a proven record of success.
As experienced trial lawyers, we begin developing a trial strategy from the moment we first meet with you, providing you with a competitive advantage before your case is even filed. We have successfully represented and battled some of the nation’s largest companies. Contact us today at 800-550-2106 for a free initial legal consultation.
