Motorcycle Accidents
The lack of any substantial protective barriers between a motorcycle and the road, as well as the difficulty that other motorists may have in anticipating and seeing a motorcycle, leave riders prone to serious injury in the event of an accident. Motorcycle riders, therefore, must be aware of their legal rights and remedies if they are involved in a traffic accident.
The Risks of the Road for Motorcycle Riders
Some of the unique problems faced by motorcycle riders on the road include:
- Visual Recognition.
- Road Hazards
- Speed "Wobble" Accidents
- Riding Skills; Familiarity.
The injuries characteristic of motorcycle accidents can be very serious or fatal:
- Traumatic brain injury or closed head wounds
- Disabling injuries to the back or neck
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Soft tissue damage to the knee, ankle, or shoulder
- Multiple fractures
- Spinal Injuries resulting in paralysis or quadriplegia
- Amputation of an arm or leg
We take motorcycle accidents seriously. Motorcycle accidents can be extremely dangerous because motorcycle drivers lack the protection of seatbelts or the outside protection of a car. Many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries and too many result in death.
Road accidents, including motorcycle accidents usually occur because of negligence. Three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents involve a car or other motor vehicle. A negligent driver is not excused because they “didn’t see the motorcycle.”
If you’ve been injured in a Minnesota motorcycle accident, an attorney can explain that you have the same rights as a person riding in a car. But the Minnesota motorcycle accident attorneys / lawyers at METRO LAW OFFICES, LTD. know the differences between car accident cases and motorcycle accident cases.
Call us today for a free consultation with a Minnesota motorcycle accident attorney that will fight until the end for you: 763-592-0200 or 1-866-665-2911 (toll free).
Motorcycle accidents are most likely to occur in these high-risk situations:
- Left Turns
- The most common car-motorcycle collisions are at an intersection when the automobile driver is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle.
- Car's Blind Spot
- Motorcycles riding alongside a lane of cars are often out of the view of the driver. An unsuspecting driver may collide with a motorcyclist as the driver tries to change lanes.
- Large Vehicles
- A large vehicle, such as a van or semi truck, can block a motorcycle from a driver's view. The motorcyclist may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.
- Hazardous Road Conditions
- Potholes, fallen tree limbs, or railroad tracks may be minor problems for many drivers, whereas a motorcyclist may have to slow down or change lanes to avoid these obstacles.
- Weather Conditions
- When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists' braking and handling abilities are impaired.
- Strong Winds
- A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn't prepared for it. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane can be a real hazard.
It is extremely important to wear a helmet because are the result of a head injury. Wearing a motorcycle helmet lowers the risk of fatal injury by 29 percent and reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 67 percent.
