The love of motorcycles has grown over the past few years. While once thought of as a mode of transportation for only “touch bikers,” today people from all walks of life enjoy riding. It is estimated that there are more than 8 million registered motorcycles in the United States and that number keeps increasing each year.
Unfortunately, as the number of motorcycles owned increases, so too does the number of motorcycle accidents. And because there is no protective barrier that protects the rider and other vehicles or the road, the injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often serious, resulting in permanent disabilities and even death.
Common Causes
Because motorcycle accidents have the potential to be so deadly, many states require motorcyclists to complete safety courses and obtain special licenses. Despite these precautions, thousands of motorcyclists are injured or killed in accidents across the nation every year.
In the majority of motorcycle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle is the at-fault party, often because they were unaware that the motorcycle was nearby. Some of the most common causes include:
- Vehicle driver attempted to take a left-hand turn or proceed when the motorcycle had the right of way
- Vehicle driver did not use a turn signal
- Vehicle driver ignored traffic conditions
- Vehicle driver swerved into another lane
- Vehicle driver disobeyed speed limits
- Vehicle driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Vehicle driver drove on the wrong side of the road
In some situations, a driver’s negligence is not the cause of the accident. Instead, a crash may be caused by a road defect, poor weather conditions, or a problem with one of the vehicle’s parts.
Typical Injuries
Motorcyclists usually sustain the most serious injuries in accidents that involve both a motorcycle and a vehicle. The majority of states require motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times, but even protective equipment does not guarantee that a person will not be injured. Injuries sustained by motorcyclists often include:
- Burns
- Road rash
- Broken, crushed, and fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Head trauma
Treatment for serious injuries of this nature can be painful and expensive. These mounting costs can be devastating to a victim’s finances. Fortunately, if it can be established that the other party was at fault in the accident, victims may be able to obtain compensation for these costs.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses your injuries have caused, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To learn more, call an experienced attorney, like a Des Moines, IA motorcycle accident lawyer from a law firm like Des Moines Injury Law.