After a lull due to the pandemic, the number of motorcycle registrations rose to 8.6 million in 2021. These numbers show that there is a unique craze for motorcycles in the US. As exciting as motorcycles are, they’re one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. The combination of power and a lack of protective covering greatly increases the chances of serious injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Victims of motorcycle accidents have one way to get back to their normal lives: through a motorcycle accident claim. But handling a motorcycle accident without any help can be difficult. This is why victims should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer offers a range of benefits. They are:
- Determining liability
- Compiling and analyzing evidence
- Managing all communications with the insurance company
- Estimate a compensation amount
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Representation in court
The services of a lawyer are even more important if the victim sustains serious injuries, as they can have lasting effects.A motorcycle accident victim will be exposed to numerous hardships. Some are so severe that they may extend even after recovery. The difficulties a motorcycle accident victim suffers include:
- Serious physical injuries
- Disabilities
- Emotional distress
- Financial struggles
- Loss of a family member
The following sections discuss each difficulty in detail.
Serious Physical Injuries
As mentioned before, the lack of protective covering in a motorcycle makes the rider extremely vulnerable. Quality gear can only reduce the impact so much. Victims of motorcycle accidents are susceptible to the following serious injuries:
- Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Internal Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
The injuries mentioned above have long recovery periods. Some unfortunate victims may have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.
Disabilities
The chances of a disability are scarily high in a motorcycle accident, especially in those that involve high speeds. A disability can be devastating to the victim. They will need the assistance of someone, even for menial things like climbing the stairs or getting out of bed. On top of that, the victim will be unable to participate in the activities that they once used to. This can affect their mental health as well.
Emotional Distress
Some accidents are so severe that they leave a mental scar that is hard to heal. The victim may carry this mental scar throughout their life. The scar can be anything, from getting flashbacks about the accident to a fear of riding a motorcycle. The emotional effects of a motorcycle accident can be so daunting that they may leak into other areas of the victim’s life. The victim may find it hard to maintain personal relationships, and their performance at work might take a hit as well.
Financial Struggles
The financial repercussions of a motorcycle accident are a serious concern for victims, especially those from the lower strata of society. A motorcycle accident victim will face a huge number of bills immediately after the accident. Some of them include:
- Medications
- Hospital visits and stays
- Specialist therapy
- X-rays and scans
The medical expenses involved might go up, depending on the severity of the injury. Some may go into deep debt to meet these expenses. Motorcycle accidents also affect the jobs of some victims. If the victim has recovered from a particularly severe injury, they may not be able to concentrate or work long hours like they used to. This can lead to them looking for different jobs and more emotional stress.
Loss of a Family Member
Fatal motorcycle accidents are a horrible reality. The loss of a loved one can leave a deep wound that may take years to heal. In some circumstances, they may not heal at all. No amount of money will compensate for the love and companionship that was provided by the victim.
Final Thoughts
Accidents are awful events that may change the lives of all those involved. In addition to physical injuries, victims are vulnerable to emotional and financial difficulties as well. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is ideal in this situation. With their assistance, it becomes easy for the victims to get fair compensation for their losses.