Motorcycle riders face multiple dangers from distracted drivers, including when drivers don’t notice them while turning corners or opening doors. If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, working with a personal injury attorney is critical for recouping your losses. Let our firm focus on building your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The term distracted driving refers to any situation in which a person behind the wheel is not focusing on what’s happening around them. Some examples of common distracted driving behaviors include:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Eating while driving
- Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
- Selecting music
- Having a heated discussion with passengers in the vehicle
- Applying makeup or engaging in personal grooming while driving
When distracted driving occurs, the person behind the wheel is unable to react fast enough to avoid accidents. They may not see everything happening in an intersection or realize they don’t have the right of way in a turn. This leads to motorcycle crashes.
What Risks Does a Distracted Driver Create for Motorcyclists?
Distracted driving creates an increased risk for motorcycle riders to face significant injuries or death because of the inaction or action of the driver. This may include instances such as:
- A driver in a heated argument could miss a motorcyclist traveling in their blind spot, especially if they are speeding.
- Rear-ending a motorcycle can occur if the driver bends down to pick something up off the car’s floor.
- The distracted driver can create a situation where the motorcyclist is forced to swerve to avoid the accident, brake hard, or otherwise maneuver rapidly—often leading to the motorcyclist falling from the bike.
- The distracted driver might hit the motorcycle rider directly, leading to significant injuries due to the lack of protection around the rider.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?
There are three key actions you should take after a motorcycle accident caused by distracted driving:
- Seek immediate medical care. That’s the first step in documenting your injuries.
- Call the police. You’ll want an official police report completed to further document the incident. This also helps with gathering evidence in the motorcycle accident. Be sure to provide clear information about what occurred, including a description of the activity of the driver prior to the accident, if you have that info.
- Reach out to your motorcycle accident attorney. Don’t wait to do so. The sooner you get help, the less likely it becomes that you’ll have complications later on.
It’s likely that the insurance company for the at-fault driver will try to contact you shortly after the accident. Avoid providing any recorded statement or open-ended medical release to the insurance adjuster. Let your attorney handle communication on your behalf to minimize complications and risks for your case.
What Losses Did You Suffer After Your Accident?
Working with your motorcycle accident lawyer, you’ll quickly be able to document your losses. Some examples of losses you could face include:
- Emergency medical care received
- Ambulance services
- In-hospital stays
- Specialist treatment
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation and recovery support services
- Medications for pain and healing
- Infection risks
- Lost time at work
- Pain and suffering
We’re Here to Help
Your motorcycle attorney can help you learn about your rights and the steps to take to get compensation for all of your losses. Your attorney will work with you to prove the driver was distracted and not fully capable of operating the vehicle in a safe manner.
If you’ve suffered a loss after a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, call The Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, to discuss your case. Set up a free consultation with our team today.
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