Pascoe Law Firm

Although every motorcycle accident is unique, several common injuries appear in motorcycle accident victims. Many motorcycle injuries in Alvin affect the head and neck. In fact, a CDC study of over one million motorcyclists found that 22% of all motorcycle accident injuries affect the head and neck. There are many common motorcycle injuries, including:

• Back injuries, including crushed vertebrae, slipped discs, and spinal injuries
• Head and neck injuries such as skull and neck fractures
• Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury and paralysis
• Lacerations and abrasions, including road rash
• Traumatic tattooing from asphalt and debris embedded in the skin
• Broken and fractured limbs, particularly the lower extremities
• Loss of limbs due to traumatic amputation
• Injury to joints, particularly from bracing and impact with the ground
• Damage to internal organs or internal hemorrhaging

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by any of the factors that commonly cause other road accidents. However, the difference between motorcycle accidents and other accidents can be seen in the severity of the injuries. The following situations are especially dangerous for motorcycle drivers:

• Accidents caused by distracted drivers– drivers texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted while driving and are at a much higher risk for causing accidents than those focused on the road.
• Reckless driving accidents– other drivers speeding, failing to maintain a safe distance, passing unsafely or stopping suddenly pose a risk to motorcyclists riding alongside.
• Door check accidents– a driver leaving or entering a vehicle can cause an accident by opening a door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Merging accidents– a driver that is changing lanes can fail to look carefully and collide with or pull into the path of a motorcycle.
• Accidents related to road conditions -debris on a road, potholes on poorly maintained roads, missing signage or similar road hazards can cause accidents.
• DUI accidents– intoxicated drivers are unable to drive in a safe manner, posing a risk to the drivers around them.
• Accidents caused by failure to obey signage. Drivers failing to yield, stop, or turning illegally can cause accidents by improperly entering into oncoming traffic.
• Equipment failure accidents. A defect in the design or the manufacture of the motorcycle can cause the motorcycle to fail and lead to an accident.

After a motorcycle accident, it is essential you follow a few important steps. Following these steps can ensure your safety and assist you in making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit later with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alvin. If you experience a motorcycle accident, be sure to:

• Get to safety- if the accident occurs in traffic, move yourself and your motorcycle, if possible, to the side of the road to avoid further accidents and injury.
• Call the Police- if you or the other driver experienced injuries or property damage, you must report the accident. Remain calm, respectful, and relate as much of the events of the accident as you are able. However, you do not need to admit fault.
• Document the scene- if possible, take photos of your damages and of the accident scene. Photos can help the courts and insurance companies make decisions later.
• Exchange insurance information- while you do not need to speak with the other driver’s insurance company, you will need the company name and policy information to file your claim.
• Seek treatment for your injuries- unless your injuries are life-threatening, only leave the scene once cleared to do so by the authorities. Keep all medical treatment documentation for future reference.
• Speak with an Alvin motorcycle crash attorney- if your accident occurred due to the other driver’s negligence, if you were seriously injured, or if the other driver did not carry insurance, you will likely benefit from speaking with an Alvin motorcycle accident lawyer regarding a personal injury claim against the other driver.