Motorcycles are a part of American culture and represent freedom of the open road. Many people enjoy the act of riding motorcycles for leisure or as their main mode of transportation. As an owner and motorcycle rider, Attorney James “Jim” Walker of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau is one of those many people. While the statement “nothing between you and the open road” might seem somewhat romantic, in a practical sense, it is actually quite true—and dangerous. Statistics show that riding a vehicle that offers no protection to the driver and passenger is much riskier than driving a car or truck. In fact, in 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that although motorcycles only represent three percent of the vehicles on the roadways in the United States, they account for fourteen percent of all traffic fatalities. These accidents and the injuries that result are very often the fault of the driver of another vehicle—and not that of the motorcyclist.
Motorcycle Injuries
A motorcycle accident can range in severity depending on the speed of the vehicles, if the rider was wearing a helmet (in Connecticut it is not required, and cannot be raised as a defense that wearing a helmet would have resulted in no or lesser injuries) and other protective gear, and the road conditions at the time of the crash. Some of the more common motorcycle injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Although the event of a TBI will be reduced if the rider is wearing a helmet, this type of injury can still happen to anyone.
- Spinal cord injury - This is one of the more serious injuries and is common with a motorcycle accident.
- Broken bones - The impact of hitting the ground or colliding with a large vehicle can result in broken bones and fractures.
Soft tissues injuries - Muscle tears and strains are very common in a motorcycle accident. If the rider is ejected from the motorcycle and lands on a hard surface they can easily experience a soft tissue injury.
The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
Depending on the severity of the accident, recovery time will vary. The first step should always be to seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms you may be experiencing. Sometimes with traumatic injuries, the onset of symptoms may be delayed for days or even weeks, and an initial medical evaluation may be prudent.
If you are able to safely do so, call the police from the scene of the accident. If you are unable to do this, it is important to request that someone else does. Generating a police report will be crucial to show what exactly happened at the scene. This will be essential when you file a claim with your insurance company.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving Connecticut
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident the recovery process can be long and complicated. Your primary goal should be to focus on recovery, but mounting medical bills and lost income due to time off work can add to the stress of the accident. Attorney Jim Walker and all the personal injury attorneys at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau have extensive experience working with clients who have gone through a motorcycle crash. We will help to alleviate your concerns by dealing directly with the insurance companies and the negligent party to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 860-875-7000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
