A staggering statistic from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that motorcyclists face a much higher risk of serious harm on the road than other drivers. As any motorcycle accident attorney or personal injury lawyer can tell you, a simple second of distracted driving or reckless driving can lead to severe consequences. Our
motorcycle accident law firm has seen how these collisions happen far too often in
Colorado,
Washington,
Oregon, and
Wyoming. In this article, we’ll explore the
most common types of motorcycle accidents, the legal process for recovering damages, and how an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you secure fair compensation.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Are So Prevalent
Motorcycles are small, nimble, and exhilarating to ride—but that reduced size makes them harder to see, increasing the risk of a motorcycle collision. Negligence of other drivers, failure to yield, and failure to signal all play a role in the causes of motorcycle crashes. When a driver in a car or truck overlooks a bike, the results can be devastating. Our
injury attorneys recognize that reduced visibility and blind spots often lead to these frequent motorcycle crashes. Even if the motorcyclist takes every safety precaution, an instant of inattention from another driver can cause significant harm.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Among the most common motorcycle accidents are left-turn motorcycle accidents. These incidents frequently occur when a driver turning left misjudges the distance or speed of an oncoming bike. It’s a scenario that can lead to a head-on or T-bone collision, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatal injuries. Many times, these wrecks are rooted in distracted driving—a driver glances away from the road for a second, and by the time they look up, the injured motorcyclist is in their path.
Lane-Change Motorcycle Accidents
Changing lanes without properly checking for other vehicles is a major contributor to frequent motorcycle crashes. A sudden lane change can force a motorcyclist to swerve or even collide with the larger vehicle, frequently due to blind spots or a failure to signal. Given the reduced visibility of motorcycles, drivers must remain vigilant. Unfortunately, not all do, leaving riders vulnerable to life-altering collisions.
Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents
Even a low-speed rear-end motorcycle accident can cause severe damage. For cars, a minor fender-bender might only mean cosmetic vehicle damage. On a bike, the lack of structural protection translates to higher chances of property damage and serious injuries. When a driver tailgates or engages in distracted driving, a rear-end motorcycle accident can happen in a blink.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Taking Legal Action for Recovering Damages
Pursuing compensation after a motorcycle wreck can be daunting. That’s where an
experienced motorcycle accident attorney comes in. They handle the insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, allowing you to focus on medical treatment and recovery. From gathering medical records to performing an independent investigation of the accident scene, your attorney acts as your advocate every step of the way.
Building a Strong Case
1. Investigating All Angles: A seasoned motorcycle injury attorney will collect eyewitness accounts, examine the official accident report, and work with expert witnesses to piece together the full story.
2. Proving Negligence: Your attorney’s goal is to demonstrate the other driver’s fault, whether due to reckless driving, failure to yield, or failure to signal.
3. Negotiating Settlements: If a fair settlement can be reached, your legal team will work to secure it. Otherwise, they will represent you in court to fight for recovering significant compensation.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Each state has a window of time to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline for filing can strip away your rights to recover damages, making it crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In states like Colorado and Washington, the general rule is three years to file a motorcycle accident case. In Oregon, the deadline to file a motorcycle claim is 2 years from the date of accident and in Wyoming, it is four years, but exceptions to the statute of limitations may extend or shorten your timeframe. An experienced legal team will analyze the specifics of your case and ensure you don’t miss critical filing deadlines.
Injury Severity and the Need for Skilled Representation
A motorcycle crash often leaves riders with more than just bumps and bruises. Severe injuries can include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even paralysis. In tragic instances, fatal injuries occur. When an injured motorcyclist faces long recovery times and overwhelming medical bills, having a personal injury law firm with a
proven track record is invaluable. The costs associated with surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost wages can spiral quickly. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will pursue every avenue for compensation so you’re not left bearing this burden alone.
At Metier Law Firm, we understand the gravity of common motorcycle accidents. We’ve devoted our careers to helping those affected by bike crashes find the support, care, and justice they deserve. Our experienced legal team works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure you receive the financial resources you need.
Contact us at 866-377-3800 or schedule a
free consultation at
www.metierlaw.com. When you speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from our firm, you’ll learn about your legal options and how we can help secure the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, or any state in between, let our motorcycle accident law firm fight for your future.
