Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims Nationwide
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the open road. Since most people don’t own a motorcycle, many don’t look for them while driving and most don’t understand how cautious they should be when sharing the road with two-wheelers. As a result, crashes involving motorcyclists and four-wheel auto drivers often occur due to a car driver’s carelessness.
Some people see motorcycle riders as inherently reckless people, which can sometimes make it difficult for cyclists to receive fair compensation following an accident. Some drivers may also lack enough insurance to fairly compensate cyclists for their injuries.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our team at Matthews & Associates is here to help you get full and fair compensation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled and aggressive advocates who are not afraid of tough cases and will always fight to secure the best possible outcome. We understand how devastating the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a motorcycle wreck can be and are prepared to help you hold responsible parties accountable. With significant financial compensation secured for thousands of clients across the United States, you can rest assured we have what it takes to effectively represent you.
We invite anyone injured in a motorcycle accident to schedule a free legal consultation by calling (888) 923-7001 or contacting us online. Our clients pay no legal fees unless they recover.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims may be eligible for various types of compensation depending on the specifics of their case and the nature of their injuries. Generally, the types of damages that can be recovered fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages aim to financially compensate you for quantifiable monetary losses incurred as a result of the accident. These can include medical expenses, which encompass costs related to immediate emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation therapy, and any future medical bills associated with the injury. Another significant component of economic damages is lost wages. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income. Similarly, if your ability to work in the future is affected, you may be entitled to damages for a loss of earning capacity. Property damage is also considered under economic damages. If your motorcycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
Non-economic damages compensate you for non-monetary losses. These damages can be more abstract and harder to quantify but are nonetheless significant. One of the most common types of non-economic damages is pain and suffering, which takes into account the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries. You can seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed. Loss of consortium is another form of non-economic damages that can be awarded if your injuries have significantly impacted your relationship with your spouse or family.
In some cases, if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are designed to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Not all states award punitive damages, and others cap how much you can recover.
After evaluating the details of your case, we can walk you through what types of damages you may be entitled to under the law. Our goal is to maximize what you recover, no matter the circumstances.
How Motorcyclists Are More Vulnerable than Other Drivers
Motorcyclists unavoidably face greater risks on the road compared to drivers of passenger cars. The absence of a protective barrier between the motorcyclist and the road or other vehicles is the leading factor contributing to this increased risk. Unlike car drivers enclosed by their vehicles, a motorcycle rider has little to no protection in the event of a collision. Even with protective gear such as helmets, jackets, and gloves, the potential for serious injury remains high.
Because of these heightened risks, motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, which can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with helmet use, the force of a collision can lead to concussions or more serious types of brain injury. These injuries may result in long-term cognitive issues and physical disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be life-altering and lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures. The impact of an accident can break or fracture bones, especially in the arms and legs.
- Road rash. This term refers to skin abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement during an accident.
- Biker's arm. This injury occurs when a motorcyclist instinctively uses their arm to lessen the impact of a fall, leading to nerve damage in the arm.
- Internal injuries. These are often caused by blunt force trauma during the accident and can affect vital organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, or spleen.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Every driver has a legal obligation to others on the road known as a “duty of care.” This duty requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with a reasonable degree of caution and attention to prevent harm to other road users, including motorcyclists. This duty extends to observing traffic rules, remaining vigilant about other vehicles' presence, and adjusting driving behavior according to traffic and weather conditions. When drivers neglect this duty, either through distraction, impairment, or reckless behavior, they breach their duty of care and may become liable for any accidents they cause.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to represent you if you suffered injuries due to any form of negligence, such as:
- Excessive speeding. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction times are shortened, and they are less able to contend with road obstacles, other vehicles, or sudden changes in traffic conditions. Speeding vehicles can easily clip motorcyclists, causing them to lose control and crash.
- Impaired driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs the driver's ability to react quickly and accurately to situations on the road. Such impairment often leads to erratic and unpredictable maneuvers that can result in serious motorcycle accidents.
- Distracted driving. Distraction is a common form of negligence that includes texting while driving, eating, applying makeup, or any other activity that diverts attention from the road. A distracted driver is more likely to overlook motorcyclists due to their smaller size.
- Failure to yield. This type of negligence occurs when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. It is especially common at intersections, where drivers may misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
- Reckless driving. This includes aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights or stop signs. Such actions can lead to devastating motorcycle accidents.
-
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
-
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
-
“I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable,”
I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable, Smart, good with people, answer ALL ur questions, if they don't know the answer, it sure doesn't take them long to get you the answer!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!- Genie S. -
“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
-
“They treat you with respect. They support you when needed.”
- Sorangel T.Matthews and Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Billingual service always available.
-
“I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly”
- Kweli Y.I've been working with Matthews and Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.
How Long Do I Have to File A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
When you suffer injuries caused by another driver’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, you typically have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and seek damages. Each state sets and enforces a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, for filing these civil lawsuits. Consequently, the amount of time you will have to start the legal process depends on where the motorcycle accident occurred. In California and Texas, for example, you will usually have two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim, while in New York, you generally get three years from the date of the collision to take legal action. If you miss the relevant deadline, you will most likely be unable to recover any compensation.
The bottom line is that no matter where you are, you should not wait to discuss your case with our team at Matthews & Associates. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can review what happened and help you understand your rights and legal options.
.jpeg)
We Know How to Represent Motorcyclists
Trial experience has taught our motorcycle accident attorneys that a common misconception among many motorists is that motorcyclists are nearly insane for the risks they take on the road. While it’s not fair to associate the small percentage of reckless bikers with responsible riders, there is no denying that a stigma labeling motorcyclists as dangerous daredevils persists. Some may see cyclists as asking for trouble simply by riding a bike at all, anywhere. We know this attitude is ludicrous but nevertheless held by many car drivers (and potential jurors and judges, for that matter) who would rarely, if ever, chance a ride on a motorcycle themselves.
We understand how to counteract these assumptions and make compelling cases on behalf of our clients. When you trust us to handle your motorcycle accident claim, you can rest assured we will make every effort to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, do not wait to contact us online or call (888) 923-7001.