816-326-2968When a motorcyclist suffers leg injuries in a preventable accident, hiring an attorney may be the best course of action to protect their legal rights. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist a victim of a leg injury in determining the liability of other parties, gathering evidence to support a claim of negligence, and fighting for compensation.
If you’re trying to learn what to do next with leg and foot injuries, finding a Liberty, MO, motorcycle accident attorney is crucial for guiding you through that process.
Common Motorcycle Leg Injuries
Motorcyclists tend to suffer injuries to the lower extremities much more frequently, and these are some of the most common types of damages sustained by passengers and riders.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that as many as 80% of motorcycle crashes lead to an injury or death. Motorcyclists face a substantial risk of fatal injuries because they are 30 times more likely to die in an accident than passengers in a traditional car.
Any motorcycle rider should get medical attention right away after an accident. While some leg injuries may be more obvious, others cannot be identified properly at the scene. A doctor’s prompt intervention may help the motorcyclist get a treatment plan, and this could also limit possible complications.
Types of Leg Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Leg injuries can include things such as:
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Lacerations or road rash
- Sprains/strains
The areas most at risk for significant damage in a motorcycle accident are the leg, pelvis, knee, thigh, and ankle. This is because these extremities can be crushed or significantly damaged while on the bike or when the bike tips over, or when the rider is thrown from the bike entirely. Even one relatively simple leg injury can cost upwards of $20,000.
Compensation for Motorcycle Leg Injuries
Motorcyclists injured due to another person’s negligent behavior may be eligible for recovering compensation through court cases.
The cost of treating a motorcycle accident leg injury can be high and may last for months or even years, depending on the severity of the injury. The motorcycle accident victim’s chances to recover compensation will depend on the severity of their injury, their diagnosed medical conditions, and their likelihood of recovery.
Expenses associated with medical care may be incorporated in a personal personal injury claim and can include things such as prosthetic devices, physical therapy, trauma center treatment, surgery, medications, professional counseling services, hospitalization, lodging, or even attorney’s fees and legal costs.
The money that you could recover in a motorcycle leg injury accident could include pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, and any other damages directly associated with your motorcycle injuries.
How Motorcyclists Can Avoid Injuries to the Leg
In the event of a serious accident, a motorcyclist may have little or no opportunity to avoid substantial injuries. There are some practical steps that a motorcyclist can take to reduce their chances of being involved in an accident in the first place.
This can be done by riding safely, enrolling in a motorcycle defensive driving course, obeying all traffic laws, and using extra caution in poor weather conditions, and wearing reflective or bright gear to increase their visibility.
Preventive clothing such as slide-rated pants and riding armor can reduce the possibility of serious motorcycle leg injuries such as road rash.
What if I don’t remember what happened before my motorcycle crash?
Plenty of motorcyclists with critical leg injuries aren’t able to gather evidence at the scene. Lack of evidence may put you at a disadvantage in your personal injury claim. Some evidence can be obtained after the accident itself. For example, details from eyewitnesses, security cameras in the area, and police reports may all be used to piece together what caused the accident.
If you’re dealing with a major leg injury, you probably won’t be able to work on your legal claim on your own. Handing it off to someone who knows how to do accident reconstruction or who can hire the experts familiar with that process can ensure your rights are protected.
Your job, post-accident, should be to attend all your doctor’s appointments and follow your treatment plan, so you have the best opportunity to recover.
What if the other driver in an accident didn’t have enough insurance?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage doesn’t reimburse you for the full cost of your injuries, you may have to turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.
If the driver only had minimal insurance coverage, you may need to pursue an underinsured motorist claim. If the driver had no insurance at all, you would be protected under any uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
Your insurance company may still attempt to resolve this case for a lesser amount than you need or dispute your claim. It is valuable to have a qualified motorcycle leg injury lawyer to help you.
How long will it take to resolve my motorcycle accident case?
Many cases involving motorcycle injuries are resolved outside of court in personal injury settlement negotiations. The experience of your attorney will influence the outcome of that case, and it is extremely important to identify someone who has ample experience in a suit like this.
If your lawyer receives a settlement offer from the other side, this is brought to you for review. You are not obligated to accept it, and your lawyer can give you some insight from their experience about the best way to respond.
Can I still get compensation for leg injuries if I’m partly at fault?
Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence standard to determine compensation for injuries from motorcycle accidents. After an accident, each driver will be assigned a percentage of responsibility, and his or her damages may be reduced in accordance with that.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident After a Leg Injury in Missouri
If you get seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may need a qualified lawyer to help you. Having a lawyer may increase your chances o f getting the compensation you need when someone else caused your injuries.
Reach out to us at Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to get individualized support with your lawsuit.