Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Any kind of motor vehicle accident can be a life-changing event, but when a motorcycle is involved, the risk of serious injury or death increases substantially. Because motorcyclists have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles, they often experience catastrophic effects.
The Advocates have been representing motorcycle accident victims for nearly 30 years. We understand how dangerous motorcycle crashes can be for the biker. We are committed to ensuring our clients have the most stress-free recovery possible while also obtaining a fair settlement for their damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash and need an experienced attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.
The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.
Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.
When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.
A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case
For nearly 30 years, the personal injury attorneys with The Advocates have helped injured motorcyclists receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.
We can help you:
- Investigate your accident
- Build your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies
Talking to a Professional
- No need to schedule an appointment
- No need to wait for an email response
- Free online consultation
- Talk directly with an attorney
I was in an accident 3 years ago and had a very bad experience with the attorney back then I was in another accident last year and called the advocates mark and his team were amazing changed my view on accident attorneys they kept I'm touch with me every step of the way gave me authority on choices for myself I didn't have to go with what they said I could go against it and they still would have worked with me the same I had choices this time around I would always go with Mark I have even sent friends his way just cause I appreciate all the help and support the whole way threw.
My experience with the advocates was a good one. After being hit by a car on my motorcycle they helped me with a settlement with the insurance company to get the hospital bills paid. They were extremely helpful. They always answered any questions I had with in a day. Every email I sent was always responded to. If you unfortunately has to go through a injury by another person I would recommend them in helping you resolve any debt you have because if that injury. The Advocates were great to work with and help me get this unfortunate event behind me.
Steve and his crew at The Advocates were nothing short for amazing. They took my case after I was rear-ended resulting in neck surgery. Steve and company made sure all of the was taken care of and that I got the maximum compensation possible. I definitely recommend The Advocates
Mr. Brad Johnson, our lawyer; was Awesome! He was very informative, kept us up to date on my case with regular calls. He returned calls back to us within 24 hours or less. Brad Johnson is very courteous, honest, kind, and a pleasure to talk to and work with. There are very few Lawyers out there that could even come close to the high morals that Brad Johnson has and has shown towards us. We need more lawyers like Brad Johnson . If we ever needed a disability lawyer again in the future; it would be Brad Johnson and The Advocates Firm that he works at. We will definitely turn ALL of our family and friends towards this lawyer and firm; in a heartbeat!!!
I want to First say that I am truly thankful for the advocates Law Firm they have been a great service to me through this ordeal and Katie she is a tremendous lawyer someone that I would recommend she fights tooth and nail for her clients and the rest of the team they supported me to the fullest with that being said I would like to say for anyone who is trying to find an attorney to fight their case The Advocates is the way to go.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Where do motorcycle deaths occur?
- Most motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas and in clear conditions
- More than 50% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve two vehicles
- Around 45% of motorcycle accident fatalities occur between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm
- The states with the highest rates of motorcycle fatalities are Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona– all states with mild winters and longer riding seasons
United States motorcycle accident statistics
- Motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but account for 14% of all traffic fatalities
- Over 80% of motorcycle accident victims are male
- Nearly 30% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol
- Motorcycle accident fatalities have increased by nearly 1,000 over the last decade, while the fatality rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles has risen by 13%
- Motorcycle riders between the ages of 21-29 are the most likely group to be involved in a fatal accident due to speeding
- Motorcyclists are 4x more likely to be injured than passenger car occupants
Motorcycle helmet statistics
- Accidents involving non-helmeted riders account for around 30% of all motorcycle accidents, but make up more than 50% of motorcycle accident fatalities
- The most common motorcycle accident injury is to the lower extremities, but the most severe injuries are often to the head
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
- Estimates from the National Safety Commission state that more than 25,000 lives have been saved by the use of motorcycle helmets since 2002
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
- Speeding: Speeding kills thousands of people every year in the United States. It decreases reaction time and increases risk of injury or death
- Distracted driving: Drivers of motor vehicles become much more dangerous and unpredictable when participating in any activity that takes focus away from driving
- Impaired driving: Accidents are far more likely to happen when the driver or motorcycle rider is under the influence
- Failure to see the motorcyclist: After many accidents, drivers of passenger vehicles claim they did not see the motorcycle rider in the moments leading up to the crash
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them
- Failure to give space to the biker: Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane. Tailgating motorcycles is especially dangerous– bikers should be given more following distance than larger vehicles
- Improper turns or lane changes: Left turn collisions and lane change crashes are two of the most common types of motorcycle accident
Common motorcycle accident injuries
Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, motorcycle accident injuries can range from road rash to life-threatening conditions. Some common types of motorcycle accident injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or missing teeth
- Ligament tears or strains
- Lacerations and bruising (road rash)
Motorcycle Safety FAQs
What safety equipment should a biker wear?
Safety equipment requirements differ from state to state. However, regardless of the laws in your area, it is a good idea to protect your body as effectively as possible before getting on your bike.
Important motorcycle gear that increases biker safety includes:
- A properly fitting, DOT-approved helmet
- Glasses or goggles (if wearing an open-faced helmet)
- Reinforced pants and jacket (or leathers)
- Boots or other sturdy close-toed shoes
- Gloves
Wearing proper gear when riding significantly reduces the risk of road rash, head trauma, and other injuries in the event of an accident. The choice of whether or not to wear a helmet could be the difference between life and death.
Is lane splitting legal?
Lane splitting and/or lane filtering, both practices which involve motorcycles sharing lanes with other vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, have been legalized in a handful of states in recent years. Several other states are considering making the practice legal.
In the years between 2016-2022, the following states passed laws allowing lane splitting or filtering:
- California– lane splitting is legal
- Hawaii– lane filtering only
- Utah– lane filtering only
- Arizona– lane filtering only
- Montana– lane filtering only
Some states, including Idaho and Texas, have no laws regarding the practice and leave it up to local law enforcement. Others, such as Nebraska and Oregon, specifically prohibit sharing lanes.
It is critical to know and understand the rules of the road in any area you plan to ride. Lane splitting in areas where it is illegal to do so is dangerous, as other drivers are likely not expecting it.
How can motorcyclists increase their visibility?
As a motorcyclist, being seen by other drivers is vital to your safety. One of the best ways to avoid a crash is to be as visible as possible to the motorists around you.
Ways for bikers to increase their visibility on the road include:
- Avoid riding in other drivers’ blind spots
- Ensure your headlights and tail lights are in good working order, and use them even during the day time
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Always use your turn signals
- Drive as predictably as possible
What steps should motorcyclists take before beginning a ride?
In order to have a safe and enjoyable ride, bikers should take the following actions before hitting the road:
- Plan your route: If you’re taking a long trip, know which roads you’ll be driving on ahead of time. This will allow you to check road and traffic conditions in the days leading up to your ride and plan stops along the way
- Check the weather: Being caught in a surprise storm can make your ride both unsafe and miserable. Check the weather forecast before riding and have a plan in case something goes wrong
- Inspect your bike: Check your brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels before beginning any ride
- Get some rest: Drowsy driving, particularly on long trips through rural areas, is a huge danger to yourself and everyone else on the road. Get a good night’s rest before your trip, and take breaks when needed while riding
How can other motorists drive safely around motorcycles?
Preventing accidents is a shared responsibility between everyone on the road. Drivers of passenger cars and other motor vehicles should strive to drive safely around motorcycles, keeping in mind that bikers are far more vulnerable than occupants of cars and trucks.
Ways to prevent accidents with motorcycles include:
- Maintain a safe following distance: Leave a 3-4 second gap between your vehicle and a motorcycle in front of you. It is easy to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed, so give yourself plenty of time to react
- Allow the biker full use of a lane: Treat a motorcycle like you would any other vehicle and do not attempt to crowd them
- Look twice: When changing lanes or making turns, look twice for motorcycles. Their smaller profile makes them easy to miss
- Focus on the road: Driving distracted puts everyone at risk, but especially motorcycles as they are easy to miss when not paying attention
- Use your signals: Always signal your intent to change lanes or turn. Drive as predictably as possible
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
After being involved in any kind of accident, take the following steps to protect yourself and your right to any potential insurance claims:
- Check for injuries
- Call 911 and file a police report
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Document your injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene of the accident with pictures and video
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Seek medical treatment
- Notify your insurance provider
- Consider contacting a motorcycle accident attorney
When speaking with the other driver, police officers, or insurance adjusters, do not admit fault for the accident. An investigation may later find you were not responsible.
When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?
If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely dealing with stress, pain, and financial damages. You may be unsure of what to do next or how you will pay your medical expenses. An attorney with The Advocates can help.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will do whatever they can to keep you from getting a fair settlement offer. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or deny liability for the accident altogether.
The Advocates’ personal injury law firm has years of experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We will be here to answer your questions, provide regular updates on your case, and do whatever we can to make your recovery as worry-free as possible.
Your Advocate legal team will have your back every step of the way, from building your case to helping you understand your medical bills. We truly care about you and your recovery– the success of your motorcycle accident claim is our number one priority. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
You deserve competent, compassionate legal representation for your personal injury case. You deserve an Advocate.
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