Murfreesboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists face a great number of hazards on the road. While there are just 8.4 million bikers on the road throughout the country, they make up almost 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. A motorcyclist is also 26 times more likely to be killed in an auto accident than drivers and passengers in other vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcyclists do not only face additional challenges when they are on the road. They also face unique obstacles when filing a claim after an accident. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our Murfreesboro motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Motorcycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common of them are as follows:
Improper Lane Changes
Everyone on the road is responsible for properly checking their blind spots before turning or making a lane change. Drivers do not always do this thoroughly and so, when they change lanes, they hit a biker they did not see in the lane they were moving into.
Left Turns
Drivers turning left at an intersection usually check to ensure there are no oncoming cars before making their turn. Sadly, they do not always make sure there are no oncoming motorcycles and so, they make the turn and crash into the biker.
Failing to Yield
Sometimes, drivers do not yield to motorcycles because these vehicles are smaller and so, they do not see them. Other times, drivers do see bikers but do not give them the same respect they give other motorists and so, they do not yield to them and cause a crash.
Sudden Stops
Since motorcycles have limited protection, sudden stops due to following too closely or abrupt stops can lead to serious injury or even death to a motorcycle rider.
Speeding
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents happens from speeding. Not only does speeding make it harder to control a motorcycle but can make it harder for other drivers to see you on the road. The higher the speed, the higher the chances of a collision resulting in life-threatening injuries.
Car Doors
If you are riding your motorcycle on a path with parked cars, the person in a car may not see a rider coming by as they open the door resulting in a dangerous motorcycle crash.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes. Not only is lane splitting illegal but can be extremely dangerous for the motorcycle rider and other vehicles on the road.
Poor Road Conditions
Motorcyclists are at a far greater risk for road hazards than drivers. Motorcycles are much more unstable than cars and so, something as simple as a small pothole can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcyclist is at risk of severe injury every time they take their motorcycle out for a ride. A motorcycle accident can happen at any moment and result in the following injuries.
Road Rash
One of the most common types of injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident is road rash. When a rider is involved in a motorcycle wreck the rider can be thrown from their bike causing them to land on the road. This can lead to a number of abrasions on the skin caused by hitting or sliding against the pavement. While road rash is not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful and must require medical attention. In addition, road rash can also lead to permanent scarring, skin infections, and more.
Fractures
Other common injuries motorcycle riders suffer are fractures and broken bones. Since motorcycles are not stable vehicles like cars they can easily fall over during a motorcycle accident. At the same time, a motorcycle wreck can happen quickly which can crush the rider’s leg when the bike falls over. In addition, a rider can break their arm or wrist if they try to brace themselves when they fall.
Internal Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims can also suffer severe internal injuries. Internal injuries are damages to internal organs caused by blunt force trauma or penetration trauma. Blunt force trauma is caused by a blow that does not break the skin while penetration trauma is caused by a sharp object penetrating the body.
Lower Extremity Injuries
In any motorcycle accident case, the most common injury is a lower extremity injury. This means that a rider has injured the lower half of the body in a motorcycle crash. The most frequent lower extremity injuries involve fractures or damaged tissues in the legs and feet.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most dangerous injuries riders face is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury stems from a high-impact collision that can result in paralysis and even death. Not only are spinal cord injuries extremely dangerous but can lead to high medical expenses and long-term disabilities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, are also very common and dangerous. Like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries can lead to high medical expenses, long-term disabilities, and death. Since motorcycles travel at high speeds with limited protection, a rider can suffer a severe traumatic brain injury even while wearing a helmet.
While these are some of the most common injuries a biker may sustain in an accident, the sad truth is that due to the lack of protection, a biker can become injured in just about any manner during an accident. If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries, it is vital to reach out to your trusted Murfreesboro motorcycle accident lawyers today to help get the compensation you deserve.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Murfreesboro Can Help with Your Claim
As a biker, you are at risk for some of the most serious injuries on the road, and filing a claim is never easy. If you have been hurt, our Murfreesboro motorcycle accident lawyer at Mitch Grissim & Associates can help ensure you recover the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 615-255-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
