Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Many people choose to use motorcycles as their primary method of transportation because they are cheaper than cars, compact, and frequently more fuel-efficient than their four-wheeled cousins. More still choose motorcycles because they have a certain “cool factor,” can serve as a means of personal expression, are just plain fun to ride, and countless other reasons. However, some number of motorcyclists, just like drivers of any other vehicle, will, unfortunately, get into motor vehicle accidents. In a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists can get seriously injured and, consequently, rack up enormous medical expenses.
If you were in a motorcycle accident in Staten Island, our attorneys can help you out. We have experience representing plaintiffs injured in motorcycle accidents and will fight hard to make sure you have the best shot possible at getting the financial compensation you deserve.
For a free case review, call The Carrion Law Firm’s motorcycle accident lawyers at (718) 841-0083.
Injuries in Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Motorcycle injuries can be quite serious and require intensive medical care. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the person riding a motorcycle to get more injured than anyone in a car, truck, or other motor vehicle because there are more safety features in cars than in motorcycles, and a driver is much less exposed than a motorcycle rider. This is true even when motorcyclists take all possible safety precautions that a responsible motorcyclist should take.
Broken Bones
The impact forces involved in a motorcycle accident lawsuit can easily break bones. Virtually all fractures will require some kind of sling, cast, or other stabilizing apparatus to heal. During that time, you will not have much ability to use the affected area. On the other hand, fractures in certain areas of the body may be difficult to put a cast on, so you may be dealing with a painful break until you get treatment. More serious breaks, like compound fractures, may require surgery to properly treat.
Additionally, once the injured area heals, you will likely need to undergo treatment to regain strength in the affected area since it likely did not see much use when you were recovering. This could include diet changes as well as exercise and other physical therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is when a hard blow to the head damages the brain. TBIs almost universally have serious consequences. The type of traumatic brain injury most are familiar with – a concussion – is one of the less serious versions of this injury, but it can still lead to memory loss, unwanted mood swings, and sensitivity to light and sound. Moreover, concussions have a tendency to get worse if the victim has had a concussion in the past.
More severe traumatic brain injuries can have catastrophic consequences. You could lose the use of limbs, the ability to speak or communicate, large portions of your memory, or, in the worst cases, succumb to the injury.
Nerve Damage
Landing on the wrong part of your body can damage nerves in that area. Pinched, damaged, or destroyed nerves can result in chronic pain, numbness, or limited use of the affected area.
In a motorcycle accident, you will likely not have a lot of control as to where you end up. Your body hitting the ground or another object could result in loss of range of motion in your arms, legs, or other areas.
Road Rash
A road rash is a skin abrasion that results from falling onto or sliding along a pavement, road, or similar surface. Road rash can, admittedly, be far less serious than the previously discussed injuries. However, it can also be quite serious. For example, more severe abrasions, which separate muscle tissue from the bone, can result from the same set of circumstances that cause road rash.
Death
The grim reality is that motorcycle riders in an accident will, on some occasions, die from their injuries. If you are seeking to file a lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one under this set of circumstances, it will be a wrongful death claim, which is different from a motorcycle accident lawsuit where the plaintiff is still living. There are different rules for wrongful death claims, so speak with our motorcycle accident lawyers about your particular situation.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Staten Island, NY
Motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reasons. It is important to be specific about what exactly caused your motorcycle accident because it will become a central part of your motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Negligent Drivers
Perhaps the most common reason motorcycle riders get injured is because another driver messed up. In law, “messing up” is called negligence. To prove negligence, you need to show that the defendant was careless and that the defendant caused your injuries.
Drivers can be negligent in a lot of different ways. Some ways are codified in laws, such as drunk driving or following speed limits. Other forms of driver negligence would include aggressive driving that puts other motorists in danger.
Negligent Manufacturing Companies
If your motorcycle accident was caused by a problem with the motorcycle, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or the entity that did maintenance on the vehicle. Manufacturing problems are referred to as “defects,” and they include anything that can cause an injury in the ordinary course of motorcycle operation. Examples of defects that could plague a motorcycle and get the rider in an accident would include faulty electrical wiring or improperly installed brakes.
Call Our Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
The Carrion Law Firm’s motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to take your call and talk about your case when you reach out to us at (718) 841-0083.