Boise Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents have the potential to be extremely serious, particularly if the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet. Any time a 3,500 lb. passenger vehicle collides with a motorcycle, even motorcyclists who survive the collision are likely to be left with serious, life-threatening, or long-term injuries. While those in the automobile are surrounded by a metal frame, steel and glass, with a seat belt holding them securely and airbags to protect them from head injuries, a motorcyclist is almost entirely vulnerable in the event of a crash. One of the primary challenges faced by motorcyclists is the lack of visibility to those in automobiles.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Quite often a driver fails to see a motorcyclist coming up beside them on the freeway, behind them as they back out of a driveway or parking lot, or oncoming as they make a left-hand turn. Those in automobiles have also been known to parallel park, then open their door into traffic without looking for a motorcyclist—who will either hit the car door square on, or swerve to miss it, potentially hitting another vehicle. Many of those in automobiles also misjudge the speed of a motorcyclist, causing them to turn in front of a motorcycle rider. Additional causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Potholes or other road hazards such as pavement of differing heights
Animals in the roadways
Weather hazards, such as rain, snow, ice and wind
Debris in the road
Excess speed
Driver distraction
Driver fatigue
Impaired drivers
Lane splitting
High performance motorcycles
Motorcyclists with little actual training

Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Head injuries are by and large the primary cause of motorcycle accident deaths. Helmets do reduce the seriousness of head injuries, making the brain much less vulnerable should an accident occur, however they do not totally eliminate the inherent risk of a motorcycle collision. Those motorcyclists who survive an accident may be left with traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, a concussion, bruising in the brain or an epidural hematoma.

While a few head injuries stemming from a Boise motorcycle accident are relatively minor, most are more severe, or even life-altering. Motorcyclists with a head injury can fall into a coma, or can suffer temporary or long-lasting disorientation. Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, vision disturbances, equilibrium interruption and even seizures can be symptoms of a head injury, and the victim’s speech, cognitive processes and motor skills can all be affected as well.

Motorcycle accidents can also cause crushed bones, amputations, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, burns, scarring and disfigurement. Any of these injuries can render the victim of a motorcycle accident unable to work, even causing them to require full-time, long-term medical care. As a result, victims of motorcycle accidents and their families typically experience considerable strain due to mounting medical bills, the lack of a regular paycheck, and the changes in personality which often accompany a head injury.

Road Rash Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Accident

Road rash injuries are also known as road burn injuries; they are basically extremely painful scrapes and bruises which occur as the motorcycle rider is thrown from or dragged by their motorcycle after a collision. Motorcycle riders are very vulnerable in the event of an accident, even if they are wearing protective gear. Because motorcyclists are not restrained by a seat belt, they are often thrown from their bike upon impact. When the skin comes in contact with the surrounding pavement, gravel or ground, the skin can literally be scraped away. Road rash injuries are very serious and can lead to further medical complications, such as infection and loss of limbs.

Choosing a Boise Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are many issues to consider prior to choosing a Boise motorcycle accident lawyer.

Experience is Key: The attorney’s experience is very important. You will want to know how many years they have been in practice, and how many of those years were spend fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims.
Communication is Vital: Ask your attorney the best way to communicate, whether by phone, mail or email.

Honesty is Important: While you can ask what your case is potentially worth, be wary of a motorcycle accident attorney who makes promises or guarantees about the outcome of your case. There are simply too many variables to do so, although an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can give you a rough idea of what your case might be worth. Your attorney should be upfront and honest with you about your case and your future.

Comfort is Necessary: You want to feel comfortable with the Boise motorcycle accident lawyer you choose, knowing he or she will fight for your rights and your future.

Contact Our Boise Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take now could have a significant impact on your ability to file a claim. We can help you through this difficult time and protect your rights along the way, so you can focus your energy on your recovery. Call us today for a free initial consultation and review of your case.