Riding a motorcycle on the open road is a thrill that draws many enthusiasts. Many motorcyclists will go a lifetime without any incident, but most motorcycle accidents are catastrophic events that cause serious injuries or end in fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to suffer fatalities in a motorcycle accident than passenger car occupants.
Injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident can range from broken limbs to serious trauma including:
The effects of these injuries can be felt long after the healing period as there may be long term damage to nerves, muscles, or tendons that cause pain. Catastrophic accidents may even result in disfigurement or dismemberment.
Motorcycles are more susceptible to accidents as they are smaller and therefore harder for other drivers to see. They have fewer safety features such as seatbelts, therefore in the event of an accident, the driver is almost always thrown from the vehicle. Moreover, motorcyclists are affected more by poor road conditions such as uneven surfaces at lane changes, gravel, potholes and wet surfaces.
Accident statistics show that riders who do not wear helmets are three times more likely to be fatally injured than those wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. If you were in a motorcycle accident in Delaware and were not wearing a helmet, it is still possible to recover damages if the accident was caused by a negligent driver. If any of your injuries were attributed to the fact that you failed to wear a helmet, your award may be reduced.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident you can greatly benefit from having an experienced personal injury lawyer represent you. At Rhoades & Morrow, we will collect evidence on your behalf, question witnesses, research the driving record of the other driver(s) in the accident, and review police reports and medical records as well as consult medical experts about your injuries and recovery.
All of this is done to recover for you all entitled compensation, including lost wages and lost future wages if necessary, medical expenses for past, present and future, and pain and suffering and/or mental anguish. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are not covered by personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policies.
It is best to follow these steps when involved in a motorcycle accident:
At Rhoades & Morrow, we know how injuries from a motorcycle accident can affect the rest of your life. Let our experienced Delaware motorcycle accident lawyers take care of your legal needs so that you can concentrate on your recovery. An initial consultation is free of charge, so call us today at (302) 427-9500 to schedule an appointment or contact us online. Our offices are located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware. We serve clients both upstate and downstate, including Wilmington, Hockessin, Newark, Glasgow, Bear, Middletown, Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Lewes, Georgetown, and Seaford, as well as any other community in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.