Lancaster, Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists value the freedom that comes with riding motorcycles, but they will be required to accept the risks that come with traveling on two wheels. Without the protective shell of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are exposed to multiple dangers. When they are involved in collisions, the full force of impact may strike a motorcyclist's body directly, causing them to suffer severe injuries. They may need extensive medical treatment, and an accident will be more likely to result in permanent disabilities.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., our lawyer understands the ways motorcyclists can suffer harm due to the negligence of other drivers. He works with clients to overcome biases against motorcycle riders and present clear evidence that demonstrates that someone else's negligence was to blame for an accident. He can build strong cases to hold negligent drivers accountable and help an injury victim obtain full compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they have endured.

The Dangers Motorcyclists Face

Motorcycles do not have airbags, seat belts, steel frames, or crumple zones that would help to limit the forces that will apply to a person's body during a collision. Riders are exposed to the elements and to any vehicles that strike them. Because of this, accidents that could cause minor injuries to people in cars or trucks can result in serious or catastrophic harm to motorcyclists.

The two-wheeled design of motorcycles makes them less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, particularly when road conditions are poor. Gravel, wet pavement, oil spills, potholes, and uneven surfaces that passenger vehicle drivers may barely notice can cause motorcyclists to lose control. The smaller profile of motorcycles also makes them less visible, and many accidents occur when motorists claim they never saw a motorcycle before a collision.

Due to the weight difference between motorcycles and passenger vehicles, motorcyclists absorb most of the force when collisions occur. A motorcycle and rider together may weigh between 500 and 900 pounds, while passenger vehicles often weigh 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, and large commercial trucks weigh much more than that. Because of these differences, motorcyclists will be likely to be seriously injured by the impact with another vehicle, even at a relatively low speed.

Serious Injuries Affecting Motorcycle Accident Victims

The lack of protection for motorcyclists can result in injuries that may require immediate emergency care, multiple surgeries or other procedures, extensive rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. Fractures affect motorcyclists at much higher rates than car accident victims. Bones in the arms, legs, ribs, hips, or collarbones may break in a collision. Serious fractures in which bones are broken into multiple pieces or shattered may require surgical implants like plates, screws, or rods to hold them in place so they can heal properly. Some fractures may never heal completely, leaving victims with chronic pain and limited mobility.

Road rash is a serious injury that can occur when a rider hits the ground. While scrapes, cuts, and skin injuries may seem to be minor, these injuries can affect multiple layers of skin and other tissues. Wounds may become infected, and skin grafts may be required if large areas of skin were affected. The scarring caused by these injuries can be permanent and disfiguring.

Damage to the spinal cord in a motorcycle crash can cause paralysis or other serious symptoms. Riders who suffer these injuries may lose the ability to walk, and they may need assistance with daily activities for the rest of their lives. The financial costs of treating spinal cord injuries and accommodating disabilities can add up to millions of dollars over a victim's lifetime.

Traumatic brain injuries occur frequently in motorcycle accidents, even when riders wear helmets. Brain injuries can affect a person's mental functions, including their ability to process information, understand language, or speak correctly. Other issues may include memory loss, mood disorders, difficulties maintaining balance, poor bodily coordination, chronic headaches, or seizures. Many victims will require years of therapy, and they may never fully recover.

Amputations may sometimes become necessary when limbs are crushed or severely damaged in motorcycle accidents. The loss of a hand, arm, foot, leg, or other part of the body can permanently change a person's life. They may need to learn to use prosthetics, and extensive rehabilitation and other forms of ongoing treatment may be required.