Motorcycle Injuries
Injuries from motorcycle collisions are usually serious. Motorcycle deaths account for approximately fifteen percent of highway fatalities, though motorcycles account for just three percent of vehicle registrations. The National Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2012 93,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents. Motorcyclists are more than 26 times more likely to die in a crash than those in cars, and five times more likely to be injured. As any experienced rider knows, despite wearing protective gear, a motorcycle is no match for a car, truck or bus in a collision. No amount of training and caution can provide one hundred percent protection from the negligence of another driver.
Claims for compensation resulting from motorcycle accidents can be challenging. One reason is that there is some degree of bias against riders in some members of the public. In the context of preparing a claim, the lawyer must have the expertise and alertness to recognize the potential of this bias and protect his or her client against it. Often causation of the accident is disputed, with the negligent driver of the automobile trying to blame the rider. The lawyer must anticipate this potential and arrange for early investigation and inspection by a qualified expert in both motorcycle operation, accident reconstruction and applicable laws in order to establish fault.
At Len Tillem and Associates, we understand the challenges involved in riding motorcycles on the streets and highways, and how to meet the challenge of representing riders and passengers when they are injured while riding. If you or a loved one has been injured while driving or riding on a motocycle, contact us as soon as possible after the accident to assure the best investigation and preservation of potentially important evidence. We offer no cost, no obligation consultations.
One more note regarding riding a motorcycle. We STRONGLY encourage you to buy sufficient insurance to allow you to have at least $300,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (more if you can afford it.) There are many uninsured and minimally insured drivers on the road. It is relatively cheap to protect yourself from a situation in which you have tens of thousands in medical bills and protracted wage loss due to a negligent driver, but no way to recoup those losses.