Auto Accidents Lawsuits

With over four million of them registered in the U.S., more people own motorcycles today than ever before. Their popularity can be attributed to the fact that they are fun, convenient, and also less costly and more fuel-efficient than cars.

But beneath a motorcycle's sporty exterior lies a very harsh reality. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), motorcycle accident injuries have been steadily on the rise since 1996. With nothing between the driver and another vehicle or fixed object, operating a motorcycle offers no real protection - and many risks. Below are some sobering statistics about motorcycle accidents:

• In 2006 alone, nearly 5,000 people were killed while driving or riding a motorcycle in the United States.
• 88,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2006.
• 80% of motorcycle accidents involve injury or death, as compared to 20% for cars.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Even if a motorcycle driver operates safely and is not under the influence of alcohol, the negligence of another driver can lead to a serious accident. In 2006, there were 2,226 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 40 percent of these accidents, a car or truck was turning left as the motorcyclist was going straight, passing, or overtaking the other vehicle. The fact is that sometimes other drivers don't see motorcyclists - or they simply don't give them the road respect they deserve.

Below are some of the more common injuries suffered by motorcyclists when colliding with another vehicle during an accident:

• Foot fractures that occur when the motorcycle rider is thrown from the bike, landing forcibly with their feet or legs under their body.
• Tibial fractures, or bone breaks just below the knee, caused when another car's bumper crushes the motorcycle rider's leg against the body of the bike.
• Ruptured bladder resulting when a rider is flipped over the handlebars of their motorcycle and lands on their back.
• Brain damage can occur when parts of the brain strike the inside of the skull during a motorcycle accident.
• Complex pelvic fractures happen if a rider lands on their hips or their side after being thrown from their motorcycle during a crash. Fractures like this often require major surgery or use of an external corrective device.
• Intracranial bleeding which results when a rider's head strikes the pavement. Use of a helmet provides only limited protection against this injury.
• Amputated limbs which are the result of serious, irreparable femur fractures.
• Soft tissue injuries, also called "degloving injuries", are injuries in which extensive portions of skin are torn from the underlying connective tissue as a result of physical trauma.

Who is to Blame for Your Motorcycle Accident?

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to collect compensation from the responsible party or parties for medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers are experienced in investigating these types of accidents. They can determine the extent of your injuries, exactly who is at fault, and whether or not you have grounds for a legal claim. We then work hard to get you the compensation you deserve to help you recover and finally move on with your life.

Remember, the law limits the amount of time you have to file suit after being injured, and failure to act quickly could affect your ability to file a claim. Don't delay - contact the Law Offices of James Sokolove today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.