There is a great deal of publicity which surrounds car accidents and the devastating impacts which they can have on the lives of the victims. While awareness is growing, there is still far less focus on the victims of motorcycle accidents, and this is shocking considering that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death compared to 20 percent of automobile accidents.
What is worse is that a considerable number of survivors of motorcycle crashes are pressured into taking smaller settlements following their accidents, and these fail to pay adequate damages or do not take into account the long-term nature of some injuries. Factors such as pain and suffering, injuries and loss of wages should all be considered, but too many motorcyclists accept settlements which are inappropriate for their needs.
In these situations, it is a good idea to seek a motorcycle accident attorney in Bothell to ensure the best possible and fairest outcome.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bothell
Some of the most common causes include:
- Hitting a fixed object
If a motorcyclist hits a stationary object in the road, an accident is almost guaranteed. Common culprits include debris, construction equipment, or loose gravel. In these cases, if a party was at fault, you can be pursued for damages. For example, if an unsecured load leads to road debris.
- Vehicle turned in front of a motorcycle
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur when vehicles turn left into the path of a motorcycle at an intersection.
- Vehicle rear-ending a motorcycle
Nearly 7 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur when a car strikes them from behind, usually due to a distracted driver.
- Being forced off the road
Motorcycles can often be sideswiped by other vehicles and pushed off the road. This is usually caused by drink driving or failure to check a blind spot.
- Poor weather conditions
Many accidents occur as a result of poor weather affecting the drivers. It can cause skidding or losing control of the car, and motorcyclists can be caught up in the crash.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Some of the most common injuries for motorcyclists require long-term treatment, and this can be very expensive. These include:
- Brain damage and injury
Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences of being involved in a motorcycle accident and can have a life-changing impact on the victim. All riders should wear a helmet while riding –this decreases the likelihood of being killed in a crash by 37 percent.
- Bikers arm
If the rider is thrown from the bike, the upper arm is usually the area which receives the biggest impact. This type of injury can result in nerve damage and paralysis.
- Burns
Due to the flammable materials involved, fire is a real risk in motorcycle accidents, and this can result in severe burns which require extensive and expensive treatment.
- Broken bones
The severe impact of a crash can often result in broken bones. The most common breaks are shoulder and leg breaks and elbow and pelvis fractures.
- Degloving
Degloving occurs when all skin is removed from the feet or hands, exposing muscles and tendons.
- Road rash
If a motorcyclist is not wearing protective clothing, asphalt can cause painful abrasions on the skin.
Bothell Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Get Justice
If any of the above applies to you, Brain Injury Law of Seattle is a top motorcycle accident attorney—we can help. Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation.