What Happens if I’m a Passenger in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles offer a fantastic form of recreation and alternative transport for those seeking the thrill of riding down the road and feeling the high-speed wind. Naturally, those engaging in this thrilling form of transport would enjoy sharing it with those they care about and take on a passenger when possible. Unfortunately, motorcycles are notoriously prone to accident involvement and for causing significant injury to the motorcyclists involved in said accidents.
A passenger is no exception to the consequences that come with the riding of a motorcycle and are occasionally involved in these terrible motorcycle accidents. These passengers can be subject to severe injuries that can put them in the hospital for months while losing wages and building up significant medical expenses.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims
A passenger of a motorcycle that has been involved in an accident has the right to seek compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the accident. By filing a motorcycle accident personal injury claim, a plaintiff can hold the liable parties responsible for the accident accountable. These liable parties could include the driver of another vehicle, the driver of the motorcycle, a company that manufactures a defective part that contributed to the accident, or even the mechanic garage that maintained the motorcycle.
Common Motorcycle Passenger Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Road Rash
- Fractured and Broken Bones
- Biker’s Arm
- Lacerations
Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles can be involved in accidents where a collision does not involve another vehicle. Motorcycle accidents where a motorcyclist crashes into a static object or simply wipes out is not all that uncommon. There are a number of reasons why this kind of accident might occur. A motorcycle part like brakes or a carburetor could malfunction and lead to the motorcyclist losing control of the bike and crashing. In other instances, the one driving the motorcycle may be at fault because they may have made a reckless maneuver or perhaps they were intoxicated.
When a single vehicle motorcycle accident occurs, a passenger can still file a motorcycle injury claim. Parties like the driver of the motorcycle or a parts manufacturer can be liable for your injuries. The passenger has to prove that the liable party was negligent and that negligence caused the accident that injured them to occur. Rarely does a passenger have any hand at all in an accident and is usually completely innocent of any negligence when it comes to who caused the accident.
Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the consequences are often quite grave. Many motorcyclists lose their lives when they collide with another vehicle and when they survive, they often come away from an accident with broken bodies. Motorcycle accidents result in some of the most severe injuries of all car accident types. Exposed riders suffer intense physical trauma that leaves them with injuries that cause long-term disability. Passengers of these motorcycles are also subject to this same level of intense injury suffered by riders and can seek compensation for these injuries.
Multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents can occur for a number of reasons. Many occur because a driver of a vehicle does not see a motorcycle and collides with one on a turn or lane change. Other instances can be caused by a reckless motorcyclist that engages in reckless maneuvers like lane splitting and high-speed riding. No matter the cause, a passenger of a motorcycle in these accidents stands to lose quite a bit and deserves the opportunity to take legal action.
What Should a Passenger do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in which you were the passenger of the motorcycle, your first priority in the aftermath should be your personal health and safety. Following the accident, ensure that any injuries you may have sustained are addressed by a medical professional. Even if you have been involved in an accident and may seemingly have only minor injuries you should make sure that you go to a doctor for an examination. You may have injuries with delayed symptoms that can manifest down the line. It is also imperative to have any injuries diagnosed and treated as soon as possible in order to have documentation that can refute claims against an injury’s credibility.
If possible, record any evidence you possibly can. Things like pictures or a video can help an investigation down the line. Recording information on any individuals involved in an accident like their name, address, phone number, etc. along with the information of any witnesses will aid a case you may pursue in the future. Make sure to call for the assistance of emergency responders such as police. An official police report will often have a wealth of useful information relevant to your motorcycle accident claim.
However, the best thing one can do after being involved in a motorcycle accident is hire an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer. The right lawyer can ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care to maximize your chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
SAND LAW LLC: YOUR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If you have sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident and you believe that you are owed compensation, CONTACT SAND LAW about a free consultation on your claim.
We are ready to sit down with you and hear the details of your case so we may provide some options for how you can proceed with legal action. Our lawyers are well versed in all aspects of personal injury claims and will fight for your claim so you may receive the maximum settlement. You don’t have to take on a motorcycle accident injury claim on your own. With Sand Law in your corner, you can be confident that your case will be given the best possible chance of success.
SAND LAW LLC
7650 CURRELL BLVD #3140
WOODBURY, MN 55125
(651) 291-7263
Sand Law, LLC