Garner Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When calamity hits, motorcycle injury lawyers act as dedicated champions for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents enables them to navigate legal intricacies and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks. With ever-increasing traffic and frustrated drivers on the roads, motorcyclists must not only drive defensively but also anticipate and react to the poor or aggressive driving of others. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, motorcycle accidents accounted for only 2 percent of all road accidents in 2012, yet they resulted in 12 percent of serious, injury-related accidents and 14 percent of all accident fatalities. Following the rules of the road and wearing a helmet can help mitigate these risks, but even the most cautious riders can have accidents. If you suffer disfiguring injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Understanding Your Insurance and Liability Claims

Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

It is essential to have complete coverage on your motorcycle. Not all accidents involve other vehicles, and having proper insurance can cover medical and living expenses while you recuperate. If you are seriously injured or disfigured due to weather conditions or unintentional driver error, you can collect money from the insurance company if you have the right type of motorcycle insurance coverage. Additionally, if another driver caused your accident, you may file a third-party claim against their liability insurance.

Types of Compensation

Victims of motorcycle accidents with serious or disfiguring injuries may be eligible for various types of compensation:

- Medical Bills: Covers hospitalization, long-term care, and physical therapy.
- Loss of Earnings: Compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain.
- Long-Term Care: Covers hiring caregivers and any future medical needs.

Depending on the severity of the injury, compensation may address both current and future expenses. For extreme scarring or amputation, victims may require both emotional and physical therapy, which should be included in the compensation.

Types of Motorcycle Burn Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in various burn injuries, each requiring immediate medical attention:

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, or road burn, occurs when the skin scrapes along the road after being thrown from or dragged by the bike. There are three basic types:

- Deep Scrapes: May require stitches and have a high risk of infection.
- Bruising and Compression Injuries: Occur when the rider is caught between the bike and the road.
- Avulsion Injuries: Damage several layers of skin, potentially requiring surgery and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns happen when the rider or passenger makes contact with the exhaust pipe. These injuries are painful and can cause permanent scarring. Research from Athens University Medical School found that most exhaust burn injuries occur below the knee on the right leg, with passengers more likely to be injured.

Windburn

Windburn damages the outer layer of skin due to the force of the wind, causing painful, dry, itchy skin. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help prevent windburn.

Burns from Collisions

Collisions can cause mechanical or gas fires, leading to serious, sometimes life-threatening burns. These burns are categorized as first-, second-, and third-degree burns, and can result from fluid leaks, faulty wiring, or explosions upon impact.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment

Ensuring proper safety gear is essential for motorcyclists. In addition to helmets, gloves, boots, and eye protection, the following equipment can enhance safety:

Motorcycle Airbag Jackets

Motorcycle airbag jackets have built-in airbags that inflate during a crash to protect the rider. They can be cable-activated or sensor-activated, inflating within milliseconds.

Motorcycle Smart Helmets

Smart helmets eliminate the need for handheld devices by integrating Bluetooth, GPS, and other connectivity features. They can provide warnings about upcoming turns and display maps and data on the face shield, reducing distractions.

Other Safety Musts

While advanced safety gear is beneficial, the most critical safety equipment remains a properly fitting helmet. Knowing how to fit a helmet and understanding helmet certifications can make a significant difference in an accident.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The toll from severe motorcycle injuries can encompass substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs for victims and their families. Lost wages may compound matters, especially if employment becomes unrealistic for an extended period. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows the pursuit of comprehensive compensation, from financial damages and emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

Victims of these accidents should seek consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney, as damages may be extensive and recovery of compensation is important.

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our motorcycle accident attorneys can represent you in dealings with your insurance company, or when filing a personal injury claim. Set up your consultation now by calling 641-792-3595.