Rochester Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Rochester roads are busy seven days a week. Cars zoom down roads and highways, often weaving in and out of lanes with little regard to others’ safety. This is a prime cause of accidents, especially ones involving motorcycles. Compared to vehicle passengers, bikers are less protected and suffer more severe injuries in auto accidents.

If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, reach out to The Barnes Firm. Our top motorcycle accident attorneys in Rochester will explain the legal process and ensure your rights are protected throughout your personal injury claim. We understand that motorcycle accident claims are complex, so you can be confident that our team will break down the process in a way that’s easy to understand.

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Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic in many instances. Any part of the body can sustain an injury in a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), victims sustain most fatal injuries when other drivers hit them head-on.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, get the team Buffalo trusts with motorcycle accidents – The Barnes Firm is here to help 24/7. Please call us now at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

Serving Rochester and nearby areas, including: Irondequoit, Penfield, Fairport, Webster, Brighton, Gates Center, Greece, Spencerport, Henrietta, Genesee, Chili, Victor, Mendon, Mumford, Churchville, Bergen, Le Roy, Honeoye Falls, Brockport, Hilton, Hamlin, Albion, Avon, Ionia, Lima, Geneseo, Ontario, Palmyra, Macedon, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Phelps, Geneva, Auburn, Warsaw, Wyoming, Mt. Morris, and more…
motorcyclist wearing a helmet and standing next to their bike fixing their glove

Head Injuries

The NHTSA reports that nearly 15% of all accident victims suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You should treat any blow to the head as serious, as a TBI can result in long-lasting consequences. In addition to a brain injury, victims might suffer from a cracked skull and internal bleeding.

Spine Injuries

Since there’s no protection for our spines when riding a motorcycle, it is far too common to suffer some sort of spinal injury. Depending on where the damage occurs, victims might have chronic back or neck pain. In more severe cases, the victim might have full or partial paralysis.

image of a person focusing on their spine
image of a person focusing on their spine

Spine Injuries

Since there’s no protection for our spines when riding a motorcycle, it is far too common to suffer some sort of spinal injury. Depending on where the damage occurs, victims might have chronic back or neck pain. In more severe cases, the victim might have full or partial paralysis.

close up of a broken arm in sling and cast

Broken Bones

Broken bones are common injuries in motorcycle collisions. Riders are usually slammed into the pavement or other vehicles during a crash, resulting in broken arms, legs, hips, feet, or wrists.

Road Rash

Instead of slamming into the pavement, bikers might slide across the pavement after being thrown from their vehicles. Depending on the clothing the motorcyclist is wearing, injuries can range from cuts and bruises to severe gashes, muscle damage, and nerve damage.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Road Rash

Instead of slamming into the pavement, bikers might slide across the pavement after being thrown from their vehicles. Depending on the clothing the motorcyclist is wearing, injuries can range from cuts and bruises to severe gashes, muscle damage, and nerve damage.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Rochester?

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents is vital to keeping yourself safe. When riding, keep the following accident causes in mind.

  • Unsafe lane changes: Motorists risk colliding with other vehicles when they fail to check blind spots or signal when changing lanes. Bikers are at a higher risk of a sideswipe accident since the car is smaller and many drivers cannot see them. To reduce this risk, avoid driving in blind spots.
  • Excessive speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of all auto accidents. It reduces the chance of reacting to other drivers in time to prevent a crash. Remember that speed limits are for optimal driving conditions. In the case of inclement weather or poor road conditions, reduce your speed.
  • Lane splitting: Many bikers drive between two lanes of traffic, known as “lane splitting.” This is illegal in New York and can cause serious injury to riders caught between cars.
  • Inexperienced drivers: New drivers are more likely to make unsafe moves on the road that could jeopardize others’ safety. Some inexperienced drivers have a bumper sticker that says “Teen Driver.” If you see one, it’s best to keep your distance.
  • Drinking and driving: Driving under the influence is a highly reckless act. Inebriated drivers can swerve between lanes, speed, or stop without warning. If you notice this behavior, pull over and report the vehicle to local law enforcement.

Remember, the most dangerous thing on the road is other drivers, especially for bikers. When operating a motorcycle, you must always be aware of your surroundings to avoid a crash.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?

Vehicle passengers are surrounded by a protective structure. If an accident occurs, they have more protection from the direct impact of the other vehicle. Windshields also protect them from road debris, and cars have additional safety features like seatbelts and airbags. Many newer cars even have rollover protection.

Motorcyclists, on the other hand, are in the open. When an accident does happen, they often flip over the handlebars. Bikers also have less control over stopping. Even when they apply their brakes, the motorcycle can still spin out of control. Steering is also more sensitive, causing bikers to lose control with sudden moves.

Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Crash in New York

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. The steps you take afterward will affect your personal injury claim. If you are able, take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible. This includes injuries, property damage, and road conditions.

Even if you do not sustain physical injuries, you should always seek medical attention. You may have internal damages that only a doctor can diagnose. Not going to the doctor can also jeopardize your compensation. An insurer may claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim if you did not go to the hospital. You’ll also want to keep all medical bills. They will prove the cost of surgery, physical therapy, and other accident-related medical expenses.

What Compensation Will I Receive for My Injuries?

All accidents are different, so the financial compensation you receive will vary. After reviewing your case and the circumstances leading up to the incident, your Rochester motorcycle accident attorney might be able to secure compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Physical therapy
  • In-home rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

In some rare cases, a court may award you punitive damages. Judges award punitive damages when the defendant acted in an extremely reckless and negligent manner to dissuade others from behaving similarly in the future.

Contact a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Rochester Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident near Rochester, New York, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have the skill and knowledge needed to prove the other party was negligent. Call or complete our contact form today to learn more about how our Rochester personal injury attorneys can assist you during this difficult time.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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