Motorcycle accidents can have catastrophic consequences for victims. They can be costly to victims and their families on a physical, financial and emotional level. Motorcyclists can be uniquely vulnerable to the actions of careless and negligent drivers on the roadways. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always exercise the care and attention that is necessary to help keep motorcycle riders safe on the roadways.
It is important to note that in two-thirds of motorcycle accidents the driver of a passenger vehicle that struck the motorcycle violated the motorcycle’s right of way. This oftentimes happens when drivers don’t remain alert and careful and fail to observe a motorcycle rider and turn in front of the rider. The consequences and costs for the motorcyclists can be severe and can result in injuries or even possibly death. Fatality rates for motorcycle riders have been increasing.
When a motorcycle rider has been harmed in a motorcycle accident, a negligent driver may be held liable for the damages the motorcycle accident victim and their family have suffered as a result. Victims may be able to recover damages for the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered. In circumstances in which a motorcycle rider has been wrongfully killed in a motorcycle accident, compensation for damages suffered by family members may be available and may be extremely important for the family.
Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are legal options that may be available for the purposes of protecting motorcycle riders and their families and ensuring they are compensated for the costs and damages they suffer as a result of a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accident victims should be familiar not only with how to be protected on the road, but also with the protections available to them if they have been harmed and suffer the high costs associated with a motorcycle accident.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Motorcycle Accidents: Overview,” Accessed Sept. 27, 2016
