Motorcycle Accidents

In 2006, there were 4,810 motorcycle fatalities, an 89 percent increase from 1997. This number accounts for roughly 11 percent of traffic fatalities even though motorcycles only account for about 2 percent of the registered vehicles on the road, according to the Bureau of Transportation.

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents because of their exposed nature. Per mile traveled, NHTSA indicates that motorcyclists are 34 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than passenger vehicle occupants. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Serving New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, our motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to help you obtain fair and just compensation for your injuries, and can handle a wrongful death case in the event of the loss of a family member. Contact the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents commonly result in catastrophic injuries or death. A motorcycle offers no external protection against the forces of a motor vehicle accident and helmets and proper riding gear are only designed to minimize, not eliminate, the risk of injury. Among the more serious injuries a motorcyclist can suffer in an accident are:

• Traumatic brain injury

• Spinal cord injury

• Broken bones

• Road rash

• Limb amputation

• Internal bleeding

• Wrongful death

A rider who suffers a traumatic injury to the brain can be permanently disabled as a result of severely inhibited brain function. A spinal cord injury can result in partial (paraplegia) or complete (quadriplegia) paralysis. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our dedicated and compassionate motorcycle accident attorneys would like to assist you. We can help ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your suffering.

Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

If you have been injured, or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury or death in a motorcycle accident, you could be eligible for compensation. At the Locks Law Firm – serving Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey – our motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and commitment necessary to help maximize your case results.

Motorcycle accident victims and their families may be eligible to obtain compensation for medical costs (including future medical costs), loss of wages (including future wages), diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering (physical and mental), and property damage. In the event of a wrongful death, the family may be able to obtain compensation for funeral costs and the loss of a family member.

If it can be shown that the defendant acted with a willful or reckless disregard for the safety of you or a family member, it may also be possible to file for punitive damages. Punitive damages are extra payments that are awarded in an attempt to punish the liable party and discourage such negligence from happening again.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Many drivers don't pay attention to motorcyclists or afford them the rights that they deserve as road users. This lack of concern and indifference towards motorcyclists can pose a significant risk to riders on the road. Some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Automobile drivers following at an unsafe distance

• Failing to properly check for motorcyclists while making a lane change

• Making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist

• An overall lack of awareness by an automobile driver

• Driving a vehicle under the influence of mind-altering substances

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident because an individual didn't see you, didn't respect you as a fellow road user, or was following at an unsafe distance, you may be eligible to obtain financial compensation. Our New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to help. Contact the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

There are several steps you can take as a motorcyclist to help prevent motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in the event of a motor vehicle accident, so you should take special precautions to help ensure that you are safe when you are on the road. As a motorcyclist, you should heed the following suggestions to give yourself the best chance of avoiding an accident. Taking simple precautionary measures could save your life.

• Make yourself visible by wearing bright, reflective clothing, and riding with your headlights on.

• Ride where other motorists can clearly see you. Avoid the "No-Zone" and blind spots of other motorists at all costs.

• Use your directional signals to clearly indicate your intentions to other motorists.

• Don't share a lane with another car. It may be convenient during traffic to "lane split," but it can be very dangerous.

• Never operate a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Take a motorcyclist education and training course to improve your skills.

• Always wear a helmet and protective gear, such as gloves, boots, long pants, and a jacket.

Using sound judgment, maintaining good situational awareness, and leaving plenty of room between you and other cars can help make the road a safer place for you when you are riding.

Contact a Locks Law Firm Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have additional questions regarding motorcycle accident claims or you would like to schedule a free, confidential consultation and consultation with one of our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at our New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania offices, contact the Locks Law Firm today.