Catastrophic motorcycle injuries happen far more often than we may think. With car accidents as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, it should come as no surprise that motorcycle accidents are also one of the leading causes of American fatalities. In fact, recent studies estimate that there are upwards of twenty-nine times more deaths in motorcycle accidents than in those only involving cars. Without the protection of a larger automobile, motorcyclists risk their lives every time they get on the roads. Contrary to the common misconception that motorcycle accidents only happen as a result of the cyclist’s reckless driving, many motorcycle collisions occur as a result of other vehicles on the road.
What can cause a motorcycle accident?
Every motorcycle accident case is different. While some factors that contribute to the cause of accidents cannot be controlled, other causes can be attributed to a driving mistake on the road that somebody is responsible. In other words, while you can’t control extreme weather like heavy snow, rain, wind, and ice, you can control things like not driving on the road if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drug-related substances. There are various commonalities among the motorcycle accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries. Although it is certainly not limited to this list, here are some of the common causes of a motorcycle accident:
- Distracted driving (such as texting and driving)
- Driver fatigue (also known as drowsy driving)
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Blind spots
- Reckless driving
- Inexperienced driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Extreme weather (such as heavy rain, snow and ice, strong winds, fog, etc.)
What are some examples of catastrophic motorcycle injuries?
Injuries can vary depending on several elements including the impact of the crash, the speed in which the vehicles are moving, and the angle in which the two vehicles collide. Thus, the severity of injuries range from just a couple scrapes to the tragic fatality on the road. Some of the more common types of catastrophic injuries include broken bones, fractured bones, spinal cord damage, head trauma, brain damage, bruises and abrasions, internal bleeding, and death. If you suffer from a catastrophic motorcycle injury caused by someone else, you deserve to get your fair compensation. In addition to the pain that comes with dealing with an injury, injuries are also costly. You shouldn’t have to worry about juggling medical expenses, especially for more serious injuries, in addition to focusing on getting better.
It is important if you have suffered from a catastrophic motorcycle injury to reach out and seek professional counsel. Oftentimes, it may be the fault of the other drivers involved in the accident, and you may be able to receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you or someone you know has suffered from a catastrophic motorcycle injury, it may be in your best interest to contact Cohen & Cohen, an experienced group of attorneys that have been successfully serving Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding areas for years.
