Motorcycle Accidents

In our practice, motorcycle accidents are where we see the most serious injuries. Motorcycle riders are fully exposed. They usually come into direct contact with other vehicles, the roadway, or other objects. This usually results in broken bones, serious lacerations, head trauma, paralysis, or a fatality. One of the major causes of these injuries are due to lack of visibility of the motorcyclist.

According to a NHTSA study in 2004, there were 1,803 fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle. In thirty nine percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcyclist was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle. In another twenty six percent, both vehicles were going straight. In these situations, blind spots and lane splitting were significant factors. Motorcyclists are about thirty two times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle accident, and six times more likely to be seriously injured.

Most victims of a motorcycle accident will need an attorney. Since many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries, insurance carriers will put up a significant fight. They do not enjoy paying out large sums of money. Insurance adjusters will aggressively argue no liability and/or comparative liability to avoid paying.

Their favorite way to accomplish this is through a “recorded statement.” Adjusters will call you up in a sympathetic way and convince you to provide a recorded statement as soon as possible, so they can take into consideration your version of the accident and not just their insured’s version.

But insurance companies have a contractual obligation to defend their insured no matter what you have to say. They are trained professionals, highly skilled in using interviewing techniques. In most cases what you say will only hurt you and will be difficult for any attorney to undo. Remember, the purpose of the recorded statement is to extract information to use against you later, to either deny your claim or argue comparative negligence.

Help yourself and help your attorney. Don’t speak with an insurance adjuster. Call us first at (213) 386-7586 to protect your rights as a motorcycle accident victim.