Motorcycle Accidents FAQs And Answers
Get answers to all of your questions about motorcycle accidents in one place. For more information, call us at 347-318-4935.
Who Is At Fault In A Motorcycle Accident?
Who is at fault in a motorcycle accident differs depending on the laws of the state the accident occurred in. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in a no-fault state, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company to be compensated for your injuries. In fault-based states, you need to file a claim with the insurance company of the driver at fault. The degree of fault each driver is assigned can play a significant factor in deciding how much each party is responsible for paying out in fault based states. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can advise you about the fault standards in your state.
How Much Is A Motorcycle Accident Worth?
No two motorcycle accidents are alike so motorcycle accident settlements can vary greatly. There are several factors that contribute to the value of your auto accident claim, including road conditions, driver negligence, and the fault standards of your state.
While there is not a true mathematical formula that will give you an estimate of what your motorcycle accident is worth, you can expect better results with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will effectively build your case to maximize the amount you can receive.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Are There?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,286 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes on America’s roads in 2016, which is up 5.1% from 5,029 in 2015. Motorcycle fatalities increased for the second year in a row and are at the highest level since 2008, when 5,312 people died in motorcycle crashes.
Personal safety factors to consider that impact motorcycle accident fatality statistics include:
Helmet Use
NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,630 motorcyclists in 2013. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 715 lives could have been saved.
Licensing Issues
Twenty-five percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were riding their vehicles without valid motorcycle licenses at the time of the collisions.
Impaired Riding
In 2013, there were 4,399 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those, 1,232 (28%) were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 or higher).
Speeding
In 2013, 34% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding
Why Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney? When To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you have been in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence that resulted in injury or monetary loss, a personal injury attorney experienced in motorcycle accident cases can help you go up against the negligent party, their insurance companies and their lawyers. Your personal injury attorney knows the laws and procedures to handle your legal issues and acts as your advocate throughout the case. If you have suffered severe injuries, faced expensive medical bills, or have experienced loss of wages due to an accident, it is time to hire an experienced accident attorney.
How To Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
When choosing a personal injury attorney to handle your motorcycle accident look for a lawyer who focuses on personal injury accidents. Search online by an attorney’s name and firm to see what others are saying and if there have been complaints. Once you hire an attorney, evaluate your comfort level in communicating with the attorney and take into consideration how they treat your case. If you feel your lawyer is not available to you or doesn’t return your calls in a timely manner, and you feel uneasy about their ability to add your case to their caseload it may be time to hire a new attorney.