You may prefer to travel by motorcycle for many reasons, but owning a bike in New York can present challenges. Understanding safety rules and regulations helps protect you when riding, but accidents can still happen.
Motorcyclists are almost 24 times more likely to die in traffic crashes per vehicle miles traveled than people riding in passenger cars. In 2020, an estimated 82,528 motorcyclists sustained injuries in accidents. A lawyer Near Tribeca, NY, can help you handle your case if you get hurt in a collision. With legal help, you can concentrate on getting better.
What Severe Injuries Happen in Motorcycle Crashes?
As a motorcyclist, you do not have the same physical protections as someone in a vehicle when you are on the road. Because of this, you run a high risk of getting severe injuries in a crash. Here are some of the most common types of serious bodily damage resulting from motorcycle accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
These injuries occur when a strike to the head leads to damage to the brain. The force of a collision can cause a concussion even if your head does not hit anything. In motorcycle crashes, these types of injuries are the primary cause of death.
Damage to your brain can range from minor to severe. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting or even coma. You may also experience sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears, trouble speaking, memory problems, mood swings, anxiety or depression.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage can be quite severe and lead to long-term complications. These injuries involve trauma to any part of the spinal cord. They can cause permanent changes in feeling, strength and other functions. If you injure your spinal cord, you can have nerve pain, paralysis or permanent disability.
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries include numbness, weakness, difficulty walking or tingling in the extremities. You may experience loss of bladder or bowel control, trouble breathing, back pain or coughing.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can happen when there is blunt force trauma to your body. Damaged blood vessels leak into the surrounding organs or tissues. Signs of this problem include large bruises, skin discoloration, coughing up blood, fainting, slurred speech or blood in your urine or stool.
Organ Damage
Injuries to internal organs, like your liver, spleen or kidneys, can result in internal bleeding. Symptoms of organ damage include back, chest or abdomen pain, difficulty breathing and fainting.
Bone Fractures
The impact of a motorcycle crash can often result in bone fractures. Commonly broken bones in these incidents include fingers, hands, wrists, arms, lower legs, pelvis, hips, ribs, collarbone, shoulders, vertebrae and the skull. Breaks can range in severity. They sometimes require surgery and can lead to complications or lifelong disability.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common accident injury that can be severe. It occurs when your head jerks forward and back suddenly. Symptoms of whiplash can vary and may take several days to appear. Signs include headaches, dizziness, stiff neck, numbness or tingling in the arms and shoulders. You may also have neck, upper back or shoulder pain.
Other common motorcycle crash injuries include nerve injuries known as biker’s arm, muscle damage, foot and leg injuries, facial injuries or emotional trauma.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle wrecks in New York can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver inattention or distracted driving: Many crashes happen because a motorist does not notice a motorcycle on the road, either because they are not paying attention or divert their attention to something else, like a phone, radio or navigation system
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Traveling at high speeds, tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic reduces a driver’s reaction times and increases the likelihood and severity of accidents
- Left-turn accidents or failure to yield: These incidents occur when drivers do not give way to bikers at intersections
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or other substances is a significant factor in motorcycle accidents
- Fatigued driving: When a person drives tired, it can result in mistakes or lack of vehicle control, which can lead to collisions
If another person’s negligence causes your accident, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries.
How Can a Motorcycle Lawyer Help You After a Crash?
If you get hurt in a wreck, the path to justice can be complex and overwhelming. A motorcycle accident lawyer Near Tribeca, NY, can assist you in many ways.
Know Your Rights
Motorcycle accident lawyers can inform you of your legal rights and potential remedies. They have the expertise to navigate complicated legal issues, and their knowledge helps ensure you receive fair compensation in your case.
Investigate the Accident
Knowledgeable legal professionals can investigate the crash and collect evidence to support your claim. They have experience gathering proof and presenting your case to protect your interests. These skills can be particularly important when dealing with insurance companies. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance agencies on your behalf, helping you get the settlement you deserve.
Manage the Details
Skilled lawyers handle all documentation of your case. They secure and organize evidence, identify liable parties and determine applicable insurance coverage. When a professional manages the intricacies of your case, you have the time and energy to focus on your health.
Comply With Deadlines
Following an accident, time is of the essence. Attorneys can help you meet important deadlines. They file all necessary paperwork and claims within the required timeframes. This assistance can be a huge relief when recovering from your injuries.
Present Your Case
Motorcycle accident lawyers represent you in court if your case goes to trial. They present the strongest possible case to ensure you receive a fair outcome. Attorneys work to secure adequate compensation for your medical expenses and related past and future losses.
Get Help From a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Cellino Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process when you get hurt in a crash. We know how important it is to get compensation for your damages. With our proven trial experience, we help protect your rights so you can prioritize your recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your case.