Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles provide a fun and adventurous way to get out in the world and enjoy cruising the open roads. However, as most experienced bikers understand, some drivers operate their vehicles carelessly unaware of motorcyclists. They can often fail to heed traffic signals, and make sudden turns that can endanger riders. Tragically, no matter how careful and aware bikers are of this risk, accidents still happen.
A Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you if you or a loved one are injured from a crash. Due to the sheer size difference between a motorcycle and any other motor vehicle on the road, these incidents can often lead to severe physical consequences for riders. Medical bills, rehabilitation treatments, and permanent physical and psychological injuries can all result from these accidents. A local personal injury attorney knowledgeable in this type of litigation may be able to help you.
How Common are Severe Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
It is not uncommon for motorcyclists who have been in an accident to sustain permanent injuries. Some of the most common types of harm are:
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Bone fractures
- Nerve damage
- Pelvis and hip injuries
Any of the above injuries would likely result in significant medical and rehabilitation expenses. A Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to advocate on behalf of the rider to compensate them for these expenditures.
Common Causes of Accidents
While there are many different potential causes of a motorcycle accident, collisions are most commonly a result of:
-distracted driving
-left-turns in intersections
-blind-spot merging
-road hazards
Unfortunately for riders, most of the catalysts for these accidents are out of their control.
Fact Patterns Regarding the Scene of Accidents
While a motorcyclist has no power over how a driver behaves, they can take preventive measures to mitigate the risk of being involved in an accident. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that nearly one-third of all motorcycle accidents occur on non-interstate principal arterial roads. 57 percent of all crashes happened in urban locations. From this data, we see the more stop-and-go traffic, the more likely a motorcyclist is to be involved in an accident.
When Can a Plaintiff File a Lawsuit Following a Motorbike Crash?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes §516.120, an injured motorcyclist has five years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit against the defendant. Under Miss. Rev. Stat. §537.100, the timeline is shortened to three years if the motorist was killed as a result of the accident.
A plaintiff should remember that the court would likely dismiss any suit brought after this statutory period expires. The sooner a motorcyclist speaks with a Columbia motorcycle accident attorney, the sooner they can begin building a case and avoid this legal deadline.
Contact a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
A motorcycle accident can saddle a rider with lifelong injuries that may result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, no matter how carefully a motorcyclist operates their vehicle, there can always be drivers who are merely driving distracted or not obeying the rules of the road.
If you or a close family member are injured from such an accident, a Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help. By consulting with a dedicated attorney, you may come to better understand your legal rights. With your attorney’s help, you may be more successful in presenting your claim in court. To learn more, get in touch with an attorney to discuss your legal options.