Experienced Portland Maine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Portland Maine Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Maine motorcycle accident lawyers
Motorcycle Accidents in Portland, Maine
Statistically, there are over 600 motorcyclists injured in Maine every year, and Portland is no exception.
When you’ve been harmed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. But navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for riders, their passengers, and their families. These accidents can result in serious injuries, disabilities, and death.
To protect themselves against the risk of motorcycle accidents, riders should always wear appropriate safety gear, obey traffic laws, and drive defensively.
They should also consider taking a motorcycle safety course, which can teach them important techniques and strategies that can help them avoid accidents.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in Portland, Maine that are associated with both rider behavior and external factors.
Motorcycles can be dangerous due to the lack of protective barriers, the difficulty in seeing riders on the road, and the high speeds that they can reach.
Maine’s weather can also be a factor in motorcycle accidents, as rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and decrease visibility.
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is reckless driving, which includes speeding, weaving through traffic, and failing to obey traffic signals.
Other common causes include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or drunk driving (which can greatly impair a rider's judgment and reaction time)
- Distracted driving related to texting or using a cellphone
- Road hazards such as potholes
- Debris on the road
- Poorly maintained roads
- Weather conditions such as rain, snow, darkness, or fog
- Other drivers on the road who may not be paying attention to motorcyclists
On a motorcycle, blind spots can be especially hazardous as they can cause a rider to crash with another vehicle or object unexpectedly.
Faulty parts or design defects can be a major factor in motorcycle accidents.
Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries are some of the most severe injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents.
Road Rashes
Road rashes are a common injury experienced by motorcyclists in the event of an accident.
The severity of the road rash can range from minor abrasions to more serious lacerations, which require medical attention and may even result in scarring or permanent skin damage. In many cases, road rashes occur when riders are thrown from their motorcycle and slide across the road or pavement, leaving behind deep scrapes and abrasions.
Broken Bones
Broken bones often result from motorcycle accidents. This is due to the fact that motorcycles lack the protective barriers and safety features of cars, leaving riders more vulnerable to injuries in the event of an accident.
When a rider is involved in a motorcycle accident, their body is often thrown from the bike and can hit the ground or other objects at high speeds. This can result in fractures or breaks in the bones of the arms, legs, hands, feet, ribs, or skull.
Broken bones can be extremely painful and can require a significant amount of time to heal. In some cases, broken bones can also result in long-term disabilities or even permanent impairment.
Emotional Trauma
Motorcycle accidents can cause not only physical but also emotional trauma to riders and their loved ones. The emotional toll of a motorcycle accident can be significant and can last long after physical injuries have healed.
Riders who have been involved in a motorcycle accident may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, frustration, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
These emotions can be triggered by memories or reminders of the accident, such as the sight or sound of motorcycles on the road, or the physical scars left behind by the accident.
Family members and loved ones may also experience emotional trauma after a motorcycle accident due to the fear and uncertainty regarding their loved one’s recovery and the impact of the accident on their lives.
Emotional trauma can interfere with a rider’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life. It can also affect their physical recovery by delaying healing and prolonging the time it takes to return to normal activities.
Riders should also seek support from family, friends, and other riders who have experienced similar situations. By taking steps to address emotional trauma, riders can begin to heal and move forward from the accident.
Fatal Injuries and Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries are those that result in permanent disability or have a significant impact on the rider’s quality of life.
These injuries can include spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, or loss of limb. As with broken bones, motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protective barriers protecting them during accidents.
Fatal injuries are also unfortunately common in motorcycle accidents.
Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 17% of all occupant fatalities, and 3% of all occupant injuries in 2021. A factor that directly influences motorcycle fatality trends is helmet use. (Explore helmet use trends)
Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 8% from 2020 to 2021, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 2%. Over the last 10 years, deaths have increased 19%, while death rates have increased 29%. The number of motorcycle fatalities now stands at 5,932 and the rate is 30.05 per 100 million vehicle miles. [1]
If you have a loved one that has passed away due to a motorcycle accident, filing a wrongful death claim with our law office can help you cover expenses related to medical treatment, funeral expenses and more.
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
Police Reports
After a motorcycle accident, a police report is an important document that can provide valuable information about the incident.
Police reports can be used by insurance companies, lawyers, and other parties involved in the accident to determine fault and liability.
The police report will usually include the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses and involved parties. The report may also include a detailed examination of the scene, including photographs if available.
Police officers will typically interview witnesses and involved parties, and record their statements in the report. The police report will often include a preliminary assessment of the cause of the accident, based on the statements of those involved and any physical evidence at the scene.
This assessment may not be final and is subject to revision during any subsequent investigation or legal proceedings. In some cases, the police may issue a citation to one or more parties involved in the accident for traffic violations or other offenses.
This citation will also be included in the police report. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to obtain a copy of the police report.
This can be done by contacting the local police department and following their procedures for requesting a copy. The police report can be used as evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims, and can be a helpful tool in determining liability.
Insurance Companies
Following an accident, insurance companies are responsible for assessing damages and paying out claims to those who have suffered injuries or damages.
This can involve reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine fault and liability.
Insurance companies will typically investigate the accident thoroughly to determine the extent of damages and the required compensation level.
In some cases, insurance companies may attempt to assign partial or full fault for the accident to the rider, which can result in a reduced or denied claim.
After an accident, riders should also be prepared to provide complete and accurate information to their insurance company, including details about the accident, the extent of their injuries, and the cost of their medical treatment.
It is advisable to consult with our accident attorneys before talking to any insurance agents other than your own.
Medical Expenses
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries that require substantial medical treatment. The costs of medical treatment can add up quickly and can be financially devastating for riders who may be unable to work or have limited insurance coverage.
Medical expenses after a motorcycle accident may include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
These expenses can often amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. Even with insurance coverage, riders may still be responsible for a portion of the hospital bills, including deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Riders may also experience other financial losses related to the accident, such as loss of income and damage to their motorcycle or other property.
Keeping careful records of all medical expenses related to the accident, including bills, receipts, and records of treatment received, will help with assessing damages related to the accident.
The financial impact of medical bills after a motorcycle accident can be significant, and riders should take appropriate steps to ensure they receive the necessary medical care and compensation to recover from their injuries and losses.
Property Damage
Property damage after a motorcycle accident can be a significant source of financial loss for riders. Motorcycle accidents can result in damage to the motorcycle itself, as well as to other property, such as vehicles, buildings, or road signs.
The extent of property damage can vary widely depending on the severity of the accident, the speed of the motorcycle, and the location of the accident. For example, a high-speed collision with another vehicle can result in significant damage to the motorcycle and other vehicles or property, while a low-speed accident may result in minor damage or scratches.
As a consequence of the accident, motorcycle riders may encounter a decline in the worth of their property. Riders may be able to recover compensation for property damage through their insurance policy or by pursuing legal action against the at-fault party.
In some cases, riders may be able to recover the full cost of repairs or replacement of their damaged property. Riders may need to provide evidence of the extent of the property damage, such as photographs or repair estimates, as well as documentation of the value of the property before the accident.
Contact Our Experienced Portland Maine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today!
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Portland, Maine, the experienced attorneys at Goldberg & Loren can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Our team of experienced lawyers understands that motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury and that is why we work hard to ensure our clients receive the maximum possible financial compensation for their losses.
With years of experience handling cases involving motorcyclists, we know how to navigate the legal system and fight for our clients’ rights. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
Source:
[1] Motorcycles – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/motorcycles/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
180 Pool St Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Then you maybe entitled to compensation for your injuries. We can help!
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
