Motorcycle Accident LawyerHave you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbia? Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C., can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.

A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we understand the devastation a motorcycle crash can cause. That’s why we’re here to help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Columbia motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.

Fill out a free case evaluation today to begin.

Factors that Contribute to a Motorcycle Accident 

Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Columbia include driver error, road hazards, and unsafe lane changes.

Driver error includes:

  • Driving while distracted or impaired.

  • Following too closely.

  • Failing to yield the right of way.

Road hazards can include things like potholes, debris in the road, and construction zones. Unsafe lane changes can be caused by drivers who are not paying attention or trying to squeeze into a too-narrow gap.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have legal options available to you. To learn more about your legal options, contact our Columbia motorcycle accident attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. now.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on the streets and highways of Columbia. The chances of sustaining an injury are high when you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents suffer include:

Head Injuries

One of the most common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents sustain is a head injury. This is because a motorcycle offers little protection in the event of a crash, and riders are more likely to fly off the bike and hit their heads on the pavement or other objects. Head injuries can be severe and can include skull fractures, brain injuries, and even death. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have sustained a head injury in a motorcycle accident.

Broken Bones

Bones are often the most commonly injured body part in motorcycle accidents. When a victim is thrown from their bike, they may land on a hard surface and break their bones. Broken bones may require surgery and rehabilitation to heal properly.

Road Rash

Road rash is one of the most common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents suffer. Road rash is a type of abrasion that occurs when a person’s skin comes into contact with a hard surface, such as the pavement or a curb. The best way to prevent road rash is to wear protective gear, such as a helmet, leather jacket, and leather pants.

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents sustain is whiplash. Whiplash is a type of injury caused when the head is suddenly and forcefully whipped backward and then forwards. This jarring motion can cause the ligaments and tendons in the neck to stretch and tear. It can also damage the disks between the vertebrae. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, and dizziness. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is vital to seek medical attention right away to ensure that you do not experience any long-term damage.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most severe injuries a person can suffer in a motorcycle accident. This is because it can often go undetected until it’s too late. Symptoms of internal bleeding can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and chest or abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek legal assistance to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Columbia motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation.

What are the Damages You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Many damages can be recovered in a motorcycle accident claim. These damages include:

Economic Damages

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you can seek damages for your injuries. Economic damages are the damages that can be calculated and assigned a monetary value. Some types of economic damages include:

Lost Wages

If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can recover the wages that you have lost. This includes both past and future losses

Medical Bills

You can recover the cost of all medical treatment related to the accident. This includes both past and future expenses.

Property Damage

You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing any property that was damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with serious, long-term injuries. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, accident victims can seek compensatory damages for their non-economic losses. This includes pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress. These damages are not as easily quantified as medical bills and lost wages, but they can be extremely important to accident victims and their families.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are a type of compensation that is available to plaintiffs in some motorcycle accident claims. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant and serve as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future. They are not common in motorcycle accident claims, but they are an option for plaintiffs who can prove that the defendant’s actions were reckless.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages for your losses. Contact Peterson & Associates, P.C. to learn more about your legal rights and the potential damages you can recover.

Wrongful Death

If a motorcycle accident results in the death of a loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In a wrongful death claim, the victim’s family can seek damages for things like funeral expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The family can also seek damages for the emotional distress caused by the death. A wrongful death lawsuit can be complex. It’s essential to have a qualified motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us now to discuss your case.

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a claim. For your claim to be successful, you will have to prove negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach caused your injuries. The duty of care is the legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others. In the context of a motorcycle accident, it means that the driver must take steps to avoid an accident, such as checking their blind spots and signaling before changing lanes. 

Breaching the duty of care can come in many forms, such as driving while intoxicated or failing to yield the right of way. If you can show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What to Do After Sustaining an Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re a motorcyclist, you know that a motorcycle accident can be incredibly dangerous. In the blink of an eye, you can be thrown from your bike and end up with serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights and prevent further damage. Here are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself after being injured in a motorcycle accident:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

One of the most important things you can do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention. If you have injuries, the earlier you start treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. You may have internal injuries that aren’t easily noticed. So please, don’t wait to see a doctor right away.

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information with the Other Driver Involved

This will let you know if the other driver has insurance in case of compensation. Exchanging contact information will also help ensure that both drivers have accurate records of what happened.

Take Photographs of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries

If you can, it’s essential to take photographs of the accident scene. This will help you immensely down the road. It is also important to take pictures of your injuries. This can also help if you decide to take legal action, as it will provide visual evidence of the damages you suffered.

Speak with Witnesses and Get Their Contact Information

If you can, speak with any witnesses and get their contact information, and if you’re able to, it’s also important to take photographs of the accident scene. This can help provide evidence later on if you decide to take legal action. They could be a valuable asset in this case.

Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

An attorney will help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. An attorney will also ensure that all of your medical expenses are taken care of, as well as any property damage. They will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you receive a fair settlement.

Motorcycle accidents can be very serious. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney today. An experienced Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer at Peterson & Associates, P.C. will guide you through the process and make sure you receive the best possible outcome.

The Process of Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a motorcycle accident claim. The steps involved in filing a motorcycle accident claim in Columbia include:

  • Notifying the insurance company

  • Gathering evidence

  • Negotiating a settlement

  • Filing a lawsuit (if necessary)

The process of filing a motorcycle accident claim can be complicated. You need an attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim. Contact our Columbia motorcycle accident lawyers to get started now.

Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

In many cases, the insurance company will try to offer you a settlement far lower than what you’re owed. A motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to negotiate on your behalf and make sure you get the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Don’t wait to call a lawyer if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can get back on your feet. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Contact a Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer at our law firm will be able to help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve. At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we have a team of dedicated lawyers who are passionate about helping motorcycle accident victims. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case.

Our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have the experience needed to win motorcycle accident cases. We will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations. Call 816-888-8888 to get in touch with our Columbia motorcycle accident lawyers today.