As the weather warms up in Morgantown, West Virginia, more motorcyclists hit the road to enjoy the freedom and thrill of riding. However, this also means a higher risk of motorcycle accidents, which can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle wreck due to someone else’s negligence, it’s time to consult with a skilled Morgantown motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Why Motorcyclists Are More Vulnerable
While motorcyclists face many of the same hazards as other motorists, they are far more vulnerable to serious injuries in a crash. Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, motorcyclists do not have the protection of seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame around them.
When a motorcycle collides with a larger vehicle or object, the rider can be thrown from the bike and suffer devastating harm, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Road rash and disfiguring scars
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation of limbs
Even with proper safety gear like helmets and padded clothing, motorcyclists in Morgantown are at much greater risk of catastrophic injuries than people in passenger vehicles. That’s why it’s so important for both motorcyclists and car drivers to be aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents and take steps to prevent them.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Morgantown
Below are a few of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents we see in Morgantown:
1. Left-hand turns by cars
One of the most frequent and dangerous situations for motorcyclists in Morgantown is when a car makes a left turn directly into their path. This often happens at busy intersections where the car driver fails to see the oncoming motorcycle or misjudges its speed and distance. The motorcyclist may have little to no time to react and avoid a collision.
Left-turn accidents can be especially severe because the motorcycle often hits the side of the turning car at high speed. The impact can crush the motorcyclist between the two vehicles or launch them into the air and onto the hard pavement.
2. Distracted driving
In today’s age of smartphones and in-vehicle technology, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents for all types of vehicles. But it poses an even greater threat to motorcyclists, who are harder to spot than cars and need more time to maneuver away from danger.
Drivers who are texting, checking social media, eating, grooming, chatting with passengers, or fiddling with the radio or GPS may not notice a motorcycle until it’s too late to avoid hitting it. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have deadly consequences if a driver swerves into a motorcycle’s lane or rear-ends it at a stoplight.
3. Driving under the influence
Drunk and drugged driving is a major problem on Morgantown roadways, especially on weekends and holidays when people tend to overindulge. Intoxicated drivers have slower reflexes, impaired judgment, and difficulty controlling their vehicles—all of which make them much more likely to cause crashes.
An impaired driver may drift out of their lane and sideswipe a motorcycle, turn into its path, or rear-end it at an intersection. Drunk drivers are also more likely to speed, run red lights and stop signs, and engage in other reckless behaviors that endanger motorcyclists and everyone else on the road.
4. Speeding
Excessive speed is a factor in many Morgantown motorcycle accidents. When drivers are going too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to hazards like slowed traffic, sharp curves, or obstacles in the road.
Speeding also increases the severity of motorcycle crash injuries because the impact forces are much greater at high velocities. A collision that might result in minor injuries at normal speeds can be catastrophic or fatal if the vehicles are traveling very fast.
5. Road hazards
Motorcycles are more vulnerable than cars and trucks to road hazards because they have less stability and only two wheels in contact with the pavement. Hitting a pothole, large crack, slick patch of oil, loose gravel, or piece of tire tread can cause a motorcycle to wipe out with little warning.
Motorcyclists are in danger of hazards like:
- Pavement edge drop-offs
- Blind curves with no shoulder
- Fallen branches and leaves
- Mud and gravel washed onto the road
- Railroad or bridge expansion joints
- Pooled water that can cause hydroplaning
Seeking Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Morgantown
No matter what specific factors led to your motorcycle accident, if someone else’s negligence contributed to it, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. These may include:
- Past and future medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and mobility aids
- Lost wages from missing work during your recovery
- Diminished future earning capacity if you suffer long-term impairments
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
In the tragic event that your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral and burial costs, loss of their income and benefits, and loss of their companionship and guidance.
However, getting fair compensation after a devastating motorcycle crash is rarely easy. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits and will try to minimize your payout by disputing the severity of your injuries, shifting blame to you, or pressuring you to accept a quick, lowball settlement.
This is where having a skilled Morgantown motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference. At Desai Law, our experience with motorcycle accident claims allows us to know how to gather evidence of the other party’s fault, document your damages, and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company on your behalf.
Our motorcycle accident team works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront money to hire us. Instead, we collect a percentage of any settlement or court award we win for you. This allows you to level the playing field against the insurance company without having to worry about affording legal fees on top of your medical bills and lost income.
At Desai Law, we fight for the rights of injured motorcyclists in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia. We understand the unique challenges you face and are dedicated to helping you get the maximum compensation possible for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
When you hire our firm, we will handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident
- Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and photos/video of the scene
- Reviewing your medical records and consulting with experts to fully assess your injuries
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s insurance and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance adjusters to demand a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if the insurance company won’t make a reasonable offer
- Keeping you informed of the status of your claim and promptly returning your calls and emails
- Treating you with the compassion and respect you deserve during this difficult time
Contact Desai Law Today for a Free Consultation with a Morgantown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Don’t try to go through the process of a motorcycle accident claim on your own. Contact Desai Law today for a free consultation, and let us put our experience and resources to work for you. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious crash in Morgantown.
