Omaha Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

motorcycle-with-ambulance-editMotorcycle accidents are one of the worst types of vehicle accidents a person can be involved in. Along with property damage, either party may suffer from a multitude of injuries. Motorcycle collisions were on the rise for more than a decade until they began to drop off in 2008, unfortunately, the number of fatal collisions were still extremely high.

According to the Center for Disease Control fatal motorcycle collisions doubled between 1999 and 2008 and the number of motorcycle-related deaths has increased by 55 percent since 2010.  In one year the cost of motorcycle crash-related injuries and death cost about $12 billion including medical care costs and productivity losses.

In Nebraska, more than 560 motorcycle smashes were reported throughout the state in 2011, an increase of about two percent since 2010 according to the Nebraska Department of Roads (DOR).

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident by another driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more. An experienced Omaha motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine if you may be eligible to file an accident claim. En Español.

Causes of Accidents

The causes of motorcycle accidents are very similar to that of car crashes, however, motorcycle riding requires specialty licensing so many times driver inexperience is a cause of motorcycle crashes. The Nebraska DOR 1.4% of all of these types of collisions involved riders under the age of 20.

Some further causes of motorcycle accidents that an Omaha motorcycle accident attorney can assist with include:

  • Speeding
  • Improper Lane Change
  • Tailgating
  • Disobey Traffic Signs and Signals
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Bad Weather Conditions
  • Failing to Check Blind Spot

Additional statistics from the department of roads indicate that 36% of all fatal motorcycle accidents were alcohol-related and the average blood alcohol concentration was .84, more than ten times the legal limit.

Common Injuries

When anyone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, the vehicle’s structure often helps protect the driver and passenger. With a motorbike collision, the rider does not have much protection available to prevent them from getting seriously injured.

Some common injuries an Omaha motorcycle accident lawyer can assist with include:

  • Road Rash
  • Biker’s Arm
  • Broken Bones
  • Cuts and Lacerations
  • Head Trauma
  • Loss of Limb
  • Disfigurement

Road rash and biker’s arm are commonly seen in motorbike collisions are cyclists may not be wearing protective clothing to prevent road burns and may often injure their arm when they are tossed off their motorcycle. Of motorcyclists injured in accidents in 2011, 15% of persons who were not using helmets suffered from head injuries whereas only 4% of those who used helmets suffered from head trauma.

Nebraska Laws

In 1989 Nebraska enacted the universal helmet law meaning that all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets while riding. After it was passed the state saw a decrease of head injuries by 22%, additionally since 2010 more than $33 million in economic costs of accidents has been saved.

Generally most riders must be 18 or over to get their motorcycle license or endorsement, however, some teens under the age of 17 may be eligible if they have had their provisional license for at least and a year and have not accumulated any points.

Drivers who intend to ride any motorcycle with a cylinder larger than 50 cubic centimeters, generally anything larger than a moped or minibike, must take and pass a basic rider course before they may be endorsed to ride. It is important that all motorcycle riders have the proper licensing or endorsement on their license to ensure that they truly have learned the motorcycle rules of the road.

What to do After an Accident

When a rider is involved in a motorbike collision it is important to first make sure no one is hurt and that the proper authorities and medical personnel are called to report the accident and treat any injuries. If a motorbike is still on the road, no persons should attempt to move it, especially if they are placing themselves at risk of being further injured by another moving vehicle.

Drivers should try to write down all the details they remember about the incident, take pictures, and speak with any witnesses and get their contact information. Insurance adjusters may arrive on the scene, however, a rider or driver should not sign or make any verbal agreements until they speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in Omaha. Oftentimes insurance adjusters will do all they can to avoid paying for additional damages even if you deserve them.

Contact our Omaha Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from a motorcycle accident at the hands of a negligent driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages and more. At Inkelaar Law we believe that all victims deserve the chance to fight for their rights. Our Omaha motorcycle accident lawyers will help guide you through the entire litigation process to ensure that you receive the MAXIMUM amount of compensation you deserve.

Our firm has assisted accident injury victims throughout the state of Nebraska and handled many personal injury cases.