car keys next to a glass of bourbonDrunk driving accidents are often deadly. The Department of Transportation in Nebraska found 1,534 alcohol-related crashes occurred in 2020. This led to 248 fatalities. Even in situations where someone does not die, the loss and damage may be severe. Motorcycles typically provide less protection from such accidents for operators. That puts motorcycle drivers at a higher risk of severe outcomes when a drunk driver strikes their bike. 

Why Drunk Drivers Are Dangerous to Motorcyclists 

Drunk drivers often struggle to maintain control over their vehicles. This may cause them to swerve into a lane where a motorcyclist is traveling. Impaired drivers may also make drastic turns or may miss stop signs or red lights. These drivers may not look in their mirror before turning or may be driving recklessly in other ways. 

When this happens, and a motorcycle rider is in the way, it can lead to catastrophic results. As noted, motorcyclists have less protection surrounding them than a traditional vehicle. The impact of a car or truck on a motorcycle can leave a person with numerous injuries or the loss of life. Even if the vehicle does not strike the motorcycle, it may cause the motorcyclist to swerve quickly to try to get out of the way. That can lead to striking the median, hitting a tree, or simply toppling off the bike.

Potential Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents 

There’s no limit to what can happen when a drunk driver causes a motorcycle accident. Some examples of injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

How to Know If a Driver Was Drunk Prior to an Accident 

It’s sometimes hard to know if the other driver in an accident was intoxicated. Nebraska law states that those who have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher are considered intoxicated. However, what they do prior to the accident may provide some indication of their intoxication as well. This may prove to be valuable information to you when filing a claim. Signs of a drunk driver may include:

  • Drifting between lanes
  • Slow driving
  • Tailgating the driver in front of them
  • Driving on the wrong side of the street
  • Stopping fast or accelerating quickly
  • Not using headlights
  • Slow reaction to changing lights

After the accident, pay close attention to the way the person talks and interacts with you. They may have bloodshot eyes or slur their speech. They may also repeat what they say several times. Sometimes, they may not be able to understand what you’re saying to them. Other times, drunk drivers display aggressive behavior. These actions and appearances may be useful evidence in your case. 

The police report from the accident should indicate if the driver was charged with a DUI. While criminal charges are separate from your personal injury claim, they can be used to help establish liability. 

Possible Damages in a Drunk Driving Case

After such an accident on a motorcycle, it’s critical to work closely with a Nebraska motorcycle accident attorney. Doing so may help ensure you get all of the losses owed to you. Drunk driving accidents may cause substantial injuries leading to losses such as:

  • Inability to work 
  • Emergency medical costs
  • Hospital stays and rehabilitation costs
  • Specialized treatments and specialist care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost time at work
  • Pain and suffering

Each situation is unique—requiring careful consideration of what occurred and who may be responsible. Your attorney can help you ensure you receive proper compensation for current and long-term losses, as well as compensation for whatever punitive damages may be appropriate.

How a Nebraska Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You 

A motorcycle accident attorney works closely with you in several ways. This includes estimating losses, but also proving your case. Your attorney will ask questions and gather insight into what occurred and why. They may be able to help you determine if the other driver was intoxicated and get evidence to back up such claims.

Your motorcycle attorney works to help you file a claim with the proper insurance company. If necessary, the attorney works to prove your case to the adjuster to ensure you receive proper compensation. If your claim is rejected for any reason, your attorney will offer insight into the option of going to court to prove your losses in a court of law. For many, this is a necessary step in ensuring the best possible outcome occurs.  

Drunk driving cases can be complex. Having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer may help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation.

Why You Can Afford a Drunk Driving Lawyer 

After a motorcycle accident, you may be unable to work and struggling in pain each day. You just want compensation to help you get through what’s occurring right now. Don’t push aside the need and benefit of having an attorney working with you, though. 

Your attorney is working to represent you. At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, we operate on a contingency basis for these types of personal injury cases. That means you do not have to pay any legal fees to us for our services unless we win your case. With a contingency fee agreement, you’ll be empowered to fight the losses you’ve suffered that someone else called without having to pay for legal representation upfront. 

Let Your Motorcycle Lawyer Help You Today

The first step is to gather information about your case. Let our team support you today, no matter what losses you’ve suffered after a drunk driving accident

Drunk driving changes lives. Let us help you. Call the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, to get immediate support. Schedule a free consultation today.