Buffalo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, insurance companies will often lowball victims to pay out fast. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm know the road to recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and stressful.  Anyone injured in a motorcycle accident is entitled to recover damages for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. All motorcycle crashes are different and the compensation you may receive depends on the facts of the case. After a motorcycle accident, do not put your faith in an insurance company. The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm will evaluate your case for FREE and will investigate every aspect of your accident to help you get the best result possible for your case.

In New York State, over 4,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents each year. Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured than other drivers because motorcycles offer less protection than other vehicles. Riders are exposed to the direct impact of the pavement or the other vehicle in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists are also directly affected by weather conditions, like rain. Rain, whether light sprinkles or heavy downpours, can cause hazardous road conditions, making it hard to see at slow or fast speeds. Wet roadways can also cause pavement to become slick, making it more difficult for motorcycle tires to have traction with the road. Other road hazards, like potholes or flying pebbles and rocks, can also cause motorcyclists to slow down unexpectedly or quickly, not allowing for an adequate amount of reaction time for other cars or trucks traveling the same road. In addition, motorcycles only have two wheels, making them less stable than a four-wheel vehicle.

Almost all motorcycle accidents in Buffalo and Western New York occur from May through September. Even when motorcyclists drive safely and practice caution, accidents can still happen. The trusted team of motorcycle attorneys at The Barnes Firm have found that the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, can lead to a severe motorcycle accident.

Left Turn Accidents. Drivers making left-hand turns in front of motorcycles are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers of vehicles often fail to properly evaluate the speed and distance of an oncoming motorcyclist before making a left-hand turn, causing an accident. Left-hand turn accidents can also occur when drivers fail to properly follow traffic signals or signs.

Switching Lanes. Drivers change lanes frequently, especially when going high speeds on a highway. Those who merge without warning or fail to properly check their blind spot risk hitting a motorcyclist.

Speeding. A speeding car or truck needs more stopping distance, especially when behind a motorcycle. Increased speed can also lead to more serious injuries for the motorcyclist.

Driving Under the Influence. Driving under the influence is dangerous to everyone on the road, but especially motorcyclists. Motorcyclists have a higher chance of being hit by an intoxicated driver due to smaller profile than other vehicles. Driving under the influence is illegal in every state.

Tailgating. Tailgating is extremely dangerous, especially when it’s being done behind a motorcycle. The impatience of other drivers often leads to rear-end motorcycle accidents. Rear-end accidents commonly happen at red lights or stop signs, railroad gates, or in traffic when traffic comes to an abrupt or sudden stop.

The extent and nature of the accident will determine injuries in a motorcycle accident. However, since motorcyclist’s have less protection, riders are more likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries. According to the NHTSA, a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision and five times more likely to be injured in a traffic collision. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have found some of the most common injuries are:

Traumatic brain injury or brain damage. New York State law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. However, even with a helmet, head injuries can still happen. Head injuries can result in brain swelling, bruising and damage.

Spinal cord injuries. Spinal injuries are very common in motorcycle accidents because there is no protection to the bikers’ back. Spinal cord injuries can result in loss of motor function, paralysis, and other lifelong consequences.

Internal organ injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be the result of a motorcycle accident

Lower extremity injuries. Lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. This refers to any injury below the waist. A lower extremity injury can prevent a victim from walking.

Broken bones & fractures. Broken or fractured bones can happen when a motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle or when a motorcyclist is ejected in a crash.

Road rash. Road rash happens when a motorcyclist’s skin slides across the road. Road rash can lead to scarring and disfigurement.

Motorcycle fatalities. Unfortunately, fatalities often occur as the result of a motorcycle accident. If you or a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help. We will work herd to bring your family the compensation and justice you deserve.

The treatment that accident victims need can range from a little treatment to lifelong treatment. No matter how minor or severe your injury is, our experienced Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We understand that even with protective gear, motorcycle riders and passengers can experience catastrophic injuries in an accident. The Barnes Firm is here to help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.