Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as all other road users. Getting in a vehicle obligates the driver to protect all others they may encounter. Unfortunately, many cases occur on Alaska’s roadways when a driver negligently causes a motorcycle crash, which results in serious injuries and even deaths.
This instance led to a hard litigation process to have a fair settlement. As a result, collecting fair compensation can only be easy with the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer. An Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer could help you prove that another driver was the cause of the crash and demonstrate how the event impacted your life.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are at a heightened risk of injury while traveling; injuries usually happen during an accident. Unlike passenger cars, motorcycle users do not have a protective frame from other vehicles, inflatable cushions, or restraints. Even with helmets and protective gear, the riders stand a high chance of getting injured.
Riders involved in motorcycle accidents have been found to have the following experiences:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Many riders wear helmets, but still, there is the risk of head injuries during hard falls. While wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of fatal head injuries, TBIs can still occur. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional challenges.
Spinal Injuries: Spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete spinal injuries, which are usually irreversible.
Fractures: Motorcyclists have also been recorded with fractures. Mostly in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and even the ribs, as they may be ejected off the motorbike in a collision.
Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider slides across the pavement after falling off a motorcycle. It causes severe pain and sores, and it is prone to infections or skin grafting.
Internal injuries: A collision could also cause bleeding within the body or damage to the organs, and these are less obvious signs of injuries that can lead to death if not treated in time.
These conditions result in medical attention, high treatment expenses and even disability in some cases. These elements make recovering from such losses much more challenging without proper legal advice. Getting help from an experienced Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer can help fulfill complex legal requirements.
Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
Establishing liability in a motorcycle crash involves identifying the party whose negligence caused the accident. Several factors must be evaluated to determine liability, and the process can become complex. Several factors are considered when assigning fault, including:
Negligence of the Other Driver
In most motorcycle accidents, the other driver is liable as they either failed to notice the motorcyclist or disregarded traffic regulations. Negligent driving commonly includes cases where:
- Failing to yield at intersections.
- Making unsafe lane changes.
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving.
- Speeding or reckless driving.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In such instances, where the driver is careless with the traffic rules and does not consider the motorcyclist on the road, he or she may be liable for the accident.
Motorcyclist’s Contribution to the Crash
In situations where the other driver is normally found liable, underlying responsibility may be shared. For instance, a motorcyclist who is breaking the law by speeding, lane splitting or is impaired by drugs affects their surroundings. In several states governed by comparative negligence principles, damages awarded to the motorcyclist may decrease based on the motorcyclist’s culpability.
Road Conditions and Environmental Factors
Poor road conditions or adverse environmental conditions, such as bad weather, may also contribute to some motorcycle accidents. If an accident occurs because of a pothole, garbage on the street, or awkwardly constructed streets, the town or the entity in charge of the upkeep of the roads may be blamed.
Motorcycle Defects
Motorcycle parts in bad working conditions may also cause accidents, such as brakes or tires. In this case, the company may be liable and sued for damages because it was negligent in manufacturing a defective product that caused the injury or damage.
Supportive evidence will be required to prove responsibility in such cases. This may be in the form of police investigations, secondary witnesses to the incident, visuals from the traffic cameras or accident analysis. An experienced Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer can collect and evaluate such evidence.
Taking Help From Alaska Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer will tirelessly help you win your case by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering evidence, proving liability, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. They will use their legal expertise to navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident laws and handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the common injuries associated with motorcycle crashes, how liability is determined, and the vital role a lawyer plays can help victims and their families navigate the aftermath of an accident. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for your rights, ensure you receive fair compensation, and provide the support you need to recover and move forward with your life. By working with an experienced attorney, you can focus on healing while they handle the complexities of your case.
