Motorcyclists have an undeserved reputation for reckless driving. In fact, most bikers know that they need to drive defensively and protect themselves with the right gear to stay safe on the roads. Without the protection provided in a covered vehicle, motorcyclists can suffer horrible injuries if they collide with a car, truck, or stationery obstacle.
Unfortunately, even if you take all the right precautions, you can still be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident if someone else acts irresponsibly. When that happens, the dedicated team at the Grimmett Law Firm PLLC is ready to help.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision, we can investigate to determine the causes of the accident and fight to recover damages from those responsible. We can also work to ensure that you or your loved one gets the care they need. If a motorcycle accident causes an untimely death, we fight for justice and compensation through a wrongful death claim. We work with you throughout the process to help put you in the best position possible after an accident.
Beware of Distracted Drivers
Statistics indicate that up to 40% of all accidents involving motorcycles occur because the driver of another vehicle was too distracted to notice the smaller profile of the motorcycle. With multi-function cell phones, dashboards filled with technical options, and the usual distractions of eating, drinking, and talking, drivers on the roads today are more likely to be distracted than ever before.
At the last moment, these distracted drivers may notice a car or SUV in the mirror or out the window, and react appropriately. However, they are less likely to spot a motorcycle and often cause collisions but cutting in front of a biker while turning or changing lanes. Motorcyclists need to watch motorists closely, because far too often, drivers are not watching for them.
However, drivers of other vehicles are legally obligated to drive responsibly around motorcyclists. When they fail to live up to those obligations and cause injuries as a result, they can be held legally accountable for their negligence.
Damages Available After a Motorcycle Accident
Every accident is unique, but when your attorney is able to prove that the actions of one or more others caused the accident, then you may be eligible to receive compensation to make up for numerous effects from the accident. These include:
- Past medical bills
- Anticipated medical needs in the future
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of favorite activities
The last three types of damages are sometimes referred to as noneconomic losses because they do not have a direct monetary value. However, because they have such a tremendous impact on the quality of life, the value of a claim for pain and other intangible losses is often greater than the monetary value of the economic losses such as medical expenses.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can look at precedent from similar cases to determine a fair value for each type of loss in your case. This can enable you to determine whether a settlement offer would provide fair compensation or whether it is necessary to take the case to a judge to get full compensation.
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Protect Your Family After an Accident
The devastating injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents affect entire families far into the future. While the team at the Grimmett Law Firm cannot turn back time and erase the effects of the accident, we can promise to work tirelessly to help you recover the resources you need to build your best life for the future.
We can handle communications with insurance companies to protect your interests and enable you to focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about the ways we can assist.