Legal protections for motorcycle accident victims

Though motorcycle riders have the same rights and privileges on the roadways as other drivers and vehicles, other drivers do not always behave as though they do. Too often other drivers are negligent, careless or inattentive when it comes to motorcycles which can lead to serious harm for motorcyclists and motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle accident victims can suffer catastrophic injuries and death due to the negligence and carelessness of other drivers and the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the roadways. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that during 2014, 4,856 victims died in motorcycle accidents and 92,000 more motorcycle accident victims suffered injuries in motorcycle accidents.

When negligent and careless drivers cause accidents with motorcycles, they may be liable to compensate the motorcycle rider and their family for the damages they have suffered. Damages negligent drivers may be liable for include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other types of damages depending on the circumstances. Additional damages may be available for future medical care costs and lost-earning capacity as the situation warrants. In circumstances of a fatal motorcycle accident, wrongful death damages may be available to surviving family members.

Because recovering compensation for the physical, financial and emotional damages can be highly important for victims, yet sometimes seem like a daunting process, trained guidance to help them navigate their claim can be helpful. Victims of motorcycle accidents have important legal protections available to them when they have been harmed by a careless driver on the roadways that they should be aware of.