Each year hundreds of thousands of accidents nationwide involve motorists trying to merge into traffic or change lanes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Many merging accidents are sideswipes or rear-end collisions. A sideswipe accident happens when vehicles traveling in the same direction collide. A rear-end collision is when one car runs into the back of another. Merging vehicles – usually those trying to enter a highway via an entrance ramp – are at potential risk of a sideswipe or rear-end collision with another motorist.
Motorcyclists can be especially vulnerable . According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in cars or trucks. Motorcycle riders also may be more susceptible to serious injuries when involved in a crash.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders involved in accidents can suffer serious injuries. Those injuries common in motorcycle accidents include:
- broken bones;
- lacerations;
- road rash;
- spinal injuries; and
- traumatic brain injuries
While protective gear can help reduce the severity of injuries, it cannot necessarily prevent them.
Things to Consider If You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
An experienced motorcycle-accident attorney can investigate, determine who was at fault, and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and support your claim—evidence that may include medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene.
Once your claim has been filed, the insurance company for the at-fault motorist will generally investigate the accident and determine whether to extend a settlement offer. If the insurance company denies the claim or fails to make a fair settlement offer, you may have to file a lawsuit to get maximum compensation.
Filing a motorcycle-accident claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. An experienced attorney can help.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Call William Mattar.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and are looking for an experienced lawyer, contact the attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. Our attorneys have years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims and would be honored to review your case.
Don’t waste a minute more. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.