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Many people enjoy riding motorcycles especially when the weather gets nice. They are slick, stylish, and easy to maneuver. There is nothing better than feeling the wind blow through your hair and the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you ride.
While motorcycles are certainly a fun type of vehicle to operate, they can be incredibly dangerous. In 2017, for example, more than 5,000 bikers lost their lives in crashes. Just a year later, in 2018, it is estimated that more than 80,000 motorcycle injuries took place in the United States. The statistics are staggering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, a St. Peters, MO attorney can help. Whether you have been blamed for causing the accident or wish to file a claim against another driver to attain compensation for your troubles, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and determine the best next steps.
What Makes Motorcycles More Dangerous?
While operating any kind of vehicle can be dangerous, certain aspects make motorcycles more hazardous than other forms of transportation.
Statistically speaking, motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain serious personal injury or death in an accident compared to automobile drivers.
What are the reasons behind this? Well, motorcyclists typically have less protection, less control, and less ability to brake than their counterparts.
Less Protection
When compared to regular motor vehicles, there is less equipment to protect a motorcyclist from serious injuries or death if involved in a car accident.
A standard automobile is made from metal, plastic, and other sturdy materials. These materials form a protective barrier around the driver and any passengers. The glass from the windows also provides a protective layer that shields from the elements. On a motorcycle, you are fully exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and more.
Inside a vehicle, there are also seat belts, airbags, and other protective mechanisms that are designed to keep drivers safe. Upon impact, these items guard individuals from harm. Unfortunately, there are no such safety items found on a motorcycle to protect the rider.
When operating a motorcycle, bikers are unguarded and are more likely to sustain serious personal injury or death resulting from the ground or other objects surrounding them if they are involved in a collision.
Less Control
Motorcycles tend to be more dangerous because individuals typically have less control over a bike than they do a car. They are more likely to sustain personal injury or death in a motorcycle accident as a result.
One reason they have less control is that motorcycles have two wheels as compared to four wheels on a standard-sized vehicle. This makes them less sturdy and more challenging to control at high speeds.
If a motorcyclist hits any debris, potholes, or bumps in the road, they may lose control of their bike more easily than if they were in an automobile. With only two wheels, a motorcycle does not have the same handling capacity in these situations as a car does.
Less Ability to Brake
Additionally, motorcycle riders may not be able to brake as easily in the event of an emergency. This makes operating a motorcycle more dangerous.
The braking system on a motorcycle is much different than that of a car. When a driver needs to stop a car, for example, they simply apply pressure to the brake and the vehicle comes to a stop rather quickly and efficiently.
On a motorcycle, however, if a rider places too much pressure on the brakes too quickly, it could cause the motorcycle to spin out of control. This is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. It increases the likelihood of an individual being involved in a serious motorcycle accident resulting in injury or death. If ever in a motorcycle accident in south east Missouri, St Louis MO motorcycle accident lawyers can help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are more common than one might think. Not only can they cause serious injuries, but they can also pose a significant emotional and financial burden on victims. Many things can perpetuate a motorcycle accident including distracted driving, excessive speed, and lane splitting.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents and motorcycle accidents in the United States. This is when drivers operate a motor vehicle or bike without fully paying attention to the road. Texting, talking on the phone, and eating are all examples of distracted driving. Once you take your eyes off the road, all it takes is a split second for something to happen that can cause a rather unfortunate event to occur.
Excessive Speed
Excessive speed can also cause a motorcycle accident. With the freedom of being on the open road, motorcyclists may feel compelled to travel more quickly in and out of traffic. As mentioned prior, since a bike's braking abilities are not as good as a standard vehicle, this can cause a bad accident to happen.
Lane Splitting
While lane splitting is against the law in many places, it still occurs. This term refers to when motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic in between lanes. This can be extremely dangerous because cars may switch lanes suddenly without seeing the driver coming up quickly behind them until it is too late.
How an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and pursue a personal injury lawsuit. A licensed, experienced legal professional in St. Peters, MO, will be able to walk you through this process.
Preparing a Claim
Preparing a strong claim can be challenging. That is why you should not try to do this on your own. Soliciting the help of a St. Peters personal injury attorney is always recommended.
Most motorcycle accidents require an extensive investigation to determine who was at fault. Medical records and police reports are analyzed for information. These details can then be used to build and prepare a strong claim for court.
Skilled car accident attorneys know what questions to ask, what paperwork to file, and what information to provide in court. They will work with detectives to attain the evidence needed to prove fault and attain justice for the victim.
Defending the Victim in Court
In addition to filing personal injury claims, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help represent and defend the victim in court. Often, insurance companies will try to deny the evidence. They may push back on claims that their client was at fault for the accident so they do not have to pay.
As such, the insurance company may try to settle for less than what the victim is owed based on the details of the car accident. They may also refuse to settle altogether. The victim may be denied the money they deserve to help cover medical costs, property damages, and any other related incidentals.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and use aggressive, yet strategic tactics to ensure a fair settlement is reached.
Reaching a Fair Settlement
Car accidents involving motorcycles can be expensive. Victims may end up paying mounting medical costs in addition to missing work and wages. They may face serious mental and emotional anguish as a result of the accident.
The emotional, mental, physical, and financial impact can extend well beyond the initial event and can turn a victim's life upside down. It can take a long time to recover.
Though no amount of money can make up for some of the physical and emotional damages caused by an accident of this nature, a reasonable settlement can help alleviate some of the financial pressure felt by the victim and their family.
A car accident attorney can help victims understand the types of compensation that may be available to them and fight until the insurance company agrees to a reasonable payout amount.
Other St. Peters Practice Areas
Hiring the Best St. Peters, MO Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you have sustained serious personal injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, hiring Powell Law Firm can be the best decision you ever make. The car accident lawyers at Powell Law Firm are well versed in navigating personal injury law. They are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to fighting for the best outcome for their clients.
When it comes to a car accident claim, the legal team at Powell Law Firm knows just what to say and do. Over the years, we've helped many injury victims overcome the financial burden associated with this type of incident. We provide top-quality care and customized support to each one of their clients.
The attorneys at Powell Law Firm offer a free consultation to make it easy for you to share the details of your case. During this free consultation, we will listen to the details of your case and determine if you have the substantial grounding to file a lawsuit. From here, they will help you determine the best next steps in your case.
If you are seeking legal support following a car accident or motorcycle event, contact the Powell Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation at 314-470-1374.