Experienced Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
A motorcycle accident can be devastating. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers because they do not have the protection of the shell of an automobile body, airbags, and other automobile safety features. Even a minor motorcycle accident has the potential to result in serious injuries.
Motorcyclists with years of experience, who obey traffic laws and make every effort to remain focused and alert, face safety challenges every time they get on the road. As Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys, we know that even the safest riders can become injury victims due to another driver’s negligence.
If you have sustained injuries due to a Buffalo motorcycle accident, you need the legal assistance of a Buffalo personal injury lawyer. At William Mattar, our attorneys will work diligently and decisively to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Victims of motorcycle crashes should not endure the stress of recovering from injuries alone. Call (844) 444 - 4444 today to schedule a free consultation with a Buffalo personal injury lawyer who understands your concerns and will advocate for you.
What are the most common causes of a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident?
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Left Turn Accidents: Motorcycle accidents often occur when a motorist makes a left turn, without yielding the right of way, resulting in a collision with a motorcycle rider. This scenario is particularly common in intersections where a biker is riding lawfully, and an automobile makes a left turn in front of them, causing a side-impact collision.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, or any activity that takes a rider’s attention away from the road, comes in many forms. It may include texting, talking to passengers, reaching for items while operating the motorcycle, or smoking.
- Speeding: Traveling at a high rate of speed can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash. At a high speed, there is less time for a motorcyclist to react to unexpected obstacles on the road. Speeding can also increase the chance of a motorcycle crash being fatal. Recent statistics show that 32 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were speeding (compared to only 18 percent for occupants of cars).
- Driving Under the Influence: Recent statistics also show that, in 2017, approximately 28 percent of motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle accidents were under the influence of alcohol. In fact, motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a higher percentage of alcohol-related impairment than drivers of any other vehicle type.
- Road Conditions and Road Hazards: Major factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident are dangerous road conditions and hazards. Road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or wet surfaces (as a result of weather events like rain or snow), can be very unsafe for bikers. This is in part because, unlike automobiles, motorcycles only have two wheels, making them more vulnerable and less stable when faced with obstacles.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents in Buffalo
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Due to the lack of protection offered by motorcycles compared to other vehicles, riders are particularly vulnerable to serious harm in the event of a crash.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists in accidents:
- Head Trauma: Head injuries are among the most severe consequences of motorcycle accidents. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer from concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, and in some cases, can be fatal.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can affect motor function, sensation, and reflexes below the site of the injury. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collar bones. These injuries can range from simple fractures that heal with minimal intervention to complex breaks that require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. In some cases, broken bones can lead to long-term disability or chronic pain.
- Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider's skin comes into contact with the road surface during a crash. This can result in abrasions, lacerations, and even deep tissue damage. Road rash can be extremely painful and may require extensive wound care to prevent infection and promote healing. In severe cases, road rash can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Neck and Back Injuries: The force of a motorcycle accident can cause significant strain on the neck and back, resulting in whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal misalignment. These injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and may require ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma sustained in a motorcycle crash can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial for accident victims to seek prompt medical attention.
- Lower Extremity Injuries: Motorcyclists are prone to injuries in their lower extremities, such as fractures or ligament damage in the legs, knees, ankles, and feet. These injuries can result from direct impact with the road or other vehicles, or from being crushed under the weight of the motorcycle.
- Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accident survivors may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These emotional challenges can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and may require professional support to manage effectively.
Do I Need a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer if My Injuries are Not Serious?
In the immediate aftermath of a Buffalo motorcycle collision, it may be hard to tell whether or not your pain is a symptom of a serious injury, especially if you don’t know what qualifies as one. According to Insurance Law, some examples of “serious injury” are:
- death resulting from a personal injury
- a fractured bone or bones
- dismembered limb(s)
- significant disfigurement
- loss of a fetus
- permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system
Notably, unlike motorists, motorcyclists do not have to have a serious injury to file a claim. Some long-term injuries may go undetected at first, but progress into something worse over time. Regardless of whether you have suffered a serious injury, you should contact a medical provider for a physical examination. This will allow you to maintain a record of your injuries in the event that you decide to pursue legal representation.
What to Do the Day After a Motorcycle Accident in Buffalo
The day after a motorcycle accident can be just as crucial as the moments immediately following the crash. By taking the right steps, you can protect your health, gather essential information, and begin the process of seeking the compensation you deserve. Here's what you should do the day after a motorcycle accident:
Follow Up on Medical Treatment
If you received medical attention at the accident scene or visited a hospital, follow up with your doctor or a specialist as recommended. Attend all scheduled appointments and follow your treatment plan closely. If new symptoms arise or your pain worsens, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Document Your Injuries and Recovery
Keep a detailed journal of your injuries, pain levels, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life. Take photos of any visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or casts. This documentation will be valuable when pursuing a legal claim.
Contact a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you haven't already done so, reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim. Provide your lawyer with any evidence you gathered at the accident scene and discuss the details of your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident if you haven't already. Provide them with basic information about the crash but refrain from giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offers until you have consulted with your attorney.
Begin Gathering Documentation
Start collecting all relevant documents related to the accident and your injuries. This may include the police report, medical records, receipts for accident-related expenses, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Organize these documents in a folder to share with your attorney.
Be Cautious When Communicating
Be mindful of your statements to insurance adjusters, the other parties involved, and on social media. Avoid admitting fault, downplaying your injuries, or discussing the details of your case. Instead, direct any inquiries to your motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Compensation Can You Receive If Injured in a Buffalo Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident injuries can affect victims in a number of ways. Depending on your particular situation, there may be multiple sources of potential compensation. Your personal injury lawyer will assist you with determining which types of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
A motorcycle accident can seriously derail a person’s life. The physical and emotional pain you may experience can make it difficult to function and complete simple tasks. This is what is known as “pain and suffering.” One form of compensation for motorcyclists involves this notion of pain and suffering.
Motorcycle riders may be entitled to compensation if they have missed timed from work, or have medical bills and expenses, as a result of accident-related injuries. Compensation for lost wages, or lost profits, will reflect the amount that you were earning prior to the motorcycle crash. No matter what your situation entails, an accident attorney can closely examine the details of your case and work towards maximizing recovery.
When another driver on the road is negligent, resulting in a motorcycle crash, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. In this case, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be required to pay on their behalf. In the event that the at-fault motorist does not have insurance, you may be able to make an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
In general, motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers of other types of vehicles. A motorcycle provides little protection against impact and, often times, other vehicles are less aware of motorcycles on the road. That does not mean there is no way to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Here are a few motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind:
- Obey traffic laws: Following the rules of the road, such as obeying the speed limit, is one crucial way to practice safe driving and reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident.
- Ride sober: In 2017 alone, over 5,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired motorcycle accidents. Riding sober can help you avoid seriously injuring yourself or someone else on the road.
- Wear protective gear: Wearing proper protective gear is a simple way to practice safety. Protective gear, such as helmets, nonskid boots, and gloves, can help lower the risk of a fatal injury as a result of a motorcycle crash. For example, research shows that motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders in motorcycle accidents.
- Be visible: Motorcycle collisions can occur when a driver does not notice a motorcyclist before impact. Some ways to remain visible while riding include wearing reflective tape or a bright helmet, flashing your brakes when drivers are behind you, and avoiding the blind spots of other vehicles.
- Receive proper training: According to the NHSTA, 29 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents did not have a valid motorcycle license. It is important to become licensed and receive formal training before riding a motorcycle. Training can help motorcyclists learn safe riding skills and practices such as weaving, downshifting, and braking.
Contact Our Experienced Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you are looking for the best Buffalo motorcycle accident attorneys for your case, consider William Mattar law offices. At William Mattar, we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, which promises that you will not owe us attorney’s fees unless we win or settle your case. Give us a call today for a free and confidential consultation – (844) 444 - 4444.