The state of healthcare in America is bleak. A recent report showed that over 15% of all households in the United States had some form of medical debt.
A number of factors are contributing to the growing number of families with medical debt. One issue is that many people suffer from injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.
Over 6,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents each year, which is 14% of all motor vehicle deaths. Many other people are injured while riding motorcycles.
The good news is that people that have been in motorcycle accidents may be able to get compensation to cover their medical bills. Keep reading to learn more.
Getting a Settlement to Cover Medical Bills from a Motorcycle Accident
There are a lot of health benefits of riding motorcycles. However, there are risks as well.
The freedom of the open road can come at a steep price for motorcycle riders. Sadly, motorcycle accidents are a serious risk, and the injuries victims sustain can be life-changing. Motorcycle riders have less protection than occupants of cars, making them far more vulnerable in a collision. The sheer size difference between a motorcycle and a car means that even relatively minor accidents can have catastrophic consequences for riders. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, it’s important to understand that you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Seeking legal guidance is crucial for safeguarding your rights and obtaining the resources you need for recovery. This compensation can help cover mounting medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and the physical and emotional pain you’re enduring. While securing fair compensation might seem daunting, don’t let insurance companies intimidate you. Consulting a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer, or an experienced personal injury attorney in your area, is the first step toward leveling the playing field.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Sadly, motorcycle accidents often stem from a driver’s carelessness rather than a rider’s recklessness. Distracted driving is a major culprit. When a driver’s attention is on texting, eating, or adjusting the radio instead of the road, they might not notice a motorcycle until it’s too late. Cars also have blind spots, meaning drivers may unknowingly cut off motorcycles when changing lanes or turning, especially if they don’t carefully check for smaller vehicles. Road hazards that might be a minor inconvenience for car drivers can be disastrous for motorcyclists. Potholes, debris, or slick surfaces can cause a loss of control. Finally, speeding and aggressive driving by other motorists significantly increase the risk for everyone on the road. When drivers disregard speed limits or weave through traffic, motorcyclists have less time to react and less room to maneuver out of harm’s way.
Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Crashes
Due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer, riders can suffer a wide range of injuries in an accident. Even at low speeds, a slide across the pavement can result in severe road rash and lacerations. The force of impact with another vehicle or the ground often causes broken bones, from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery. Head injuries are a grave threat to motorcyclists. While helmets provide vital protection, even seemingly minor accidents can cause concussions, while more forceful collisions can lead to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The risk of spinal cord injuries is also significant, and these can result in partial or complete paralysis. Finally, it’s important not to underestimate the invisible scars of motorcycle accidents. The physical trauma, combined with the emotional shock of the crash, can lead to lingering conditions such as PTSD and anxiety, further impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Your Right to Compensation
Navigating the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim and fighting against insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially while you’re focused on healing. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, or a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer with expertise in these cases, will be your staunch advocate. They’ll thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove fault, and work to establish the full value of your claim – ensuring you don’t get shortchanged. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts, and this can be equally true in both motorcycle and bus accidents. A skilled attorney understands their tactics and knows how to negotiate aggressively on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court. Remember, seeking legal representation isn’t limited to motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, seeking guidance from a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles or a qualified personal injury attorney in your area is equally important to protect your right to fair compensation.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Navigating the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim and fighting against insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially while you’re focused on healing. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, or a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer with expertise in these cases, will be your staunch advocate. They’ll thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove fault, and work to establish the full value of your claim – ensuring you don’t get shortchanged. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney understands their tactics and knows how to negotiate aggressively on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The moments following a motorcycle accident are chaotic and stressful. If you’re injured, your priority is getting medical attention. If you are able, here are crucial steps to take to protect yourself and your potential claim:
Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, might not have immediate symptoms.
Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signals/signs. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Report the Accident: File a police report, even if the other driver begs you not to. This report is a valuable piece of evidence.
Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Let the investigation determine fault.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney ASAP: The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better. They can protect you from insurance company tactics and start building your case immediately.
Remember, insurance companies focus on their profits, not your well-being. Having a qualified legal advocate will help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim and your right to fair compensation
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant. The aftermath brings not only physical pain, but also financial worries and the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your right to compensation is a crucial first step toward recovery. Don’t let insurance companies bully you into accepting a lowball settlement. Seeking legal advice from a qualified motorcycle accident attorney or a personal injury attorney specializing in motorcycle crashes is the best way to protect your interests. They will fight for the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life and getting back on the road – whether that road is on two wheels or four.
