There are important similarities as well as a number of differences between car and motorcycle accidents. As such, each type of collision occurs for similar reasons, but the outcome of these accidents can differ.
What is important to note is that either type of accident could have significant, life-altering consequences for everyone involved. Traffic accidents can result in permanent or even fatal injuries. If you find yourself injured in one of these accidents, a Dallas personal injury lawyer might be able to help you develop a claim or lawsuit for compensation.
The Causes of Car and Motorcycle Accidents Are Similar
One of the major similarities between car accidents and motorcycles accidents is the way in which these collisions occur. A major factor that leads to most accidents of both types is human error. The specific nature of these errors is also similar across both types of crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks the factors involved in vehicle collisions. According to the data, speeding makes up around 26 percent of all traffic fatalities. Other common causes include distracted or intoxicated driving.
While these factors are common among both types of accidents, there are some circumstances that are more likely to lead to motorcycle accidents. For example, lane splitting—the act of a motorcyclist traveling between two lanes of cars—can lead to a collision.
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Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be More Severe Than Those in Car Accidents
Serious injuries are a possibility in car and motorcycle accidents alike. However, the injuries involved in motorcycle accidents are more likely to have serious consequences. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to succumb to their injuries in an accident than car occupants in 2019.
The non-fatal injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are also frequently more severe, as motorcycles absorb much of the impact in an accident. Cars, on the other hand, provide passengers with more substantial protection. The result is that motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in devastating injuries like:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken or fractured bones
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injuries, like whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
Any accident could result in injuries that could change your life forever. If you are dealing with the consequences of a serious injury, now is the time to speak to an attorney.
The Compensation Available in Both Types of Cases Are Typically the Same
There could be different types of financial compensation available in either motorcycle or car accident cases. Serious injuries can require years of costly medical care and take a physical and emotional toll on the victim. Some of the damages that could result from a car or motorcycle accident include:
Lost Wages
Injured drivers and motorcyclists may be unable to return to work in the days or weeks following an accident. For many people, missing work means missing out on the paychecks. Replacing the wages lost due to an accident might be possible through a personal injury case.
Past and Anticipated Medical Bills
Medical care under any circumstances is often expensive. Even seemingly minor injuries could cost thousands of dollars when emergency medical care is involved. An ambulance ride alone could result in financial strain.
From hospital stays to surgeries, an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit could provide you with coverage for your past and future medical expenses.
Property Damage Costs
The damage to cars and motorcycles can be costly. Due to the modern design of these vehicles, even accidents with little more than body damage could cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Significant damage could require you to replace the vehicle entirely. A personal injury settlement could include the cost to repair or replace your car or motorcycle.
Pain and Suffering
Sustaining physical pain is another common occurrence in motorcycle and car accidents. Sometimes, this pain subsides over time, while in other situations, an injury could result in chronic pain.
This long-term pain is most common in cases where a person has suffered head trauma or nerve damage. Compensation could be available for this pain and suffering.
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Consult Our Firm About Your Car or Motorcycle Accident Case Today
If you have more questions regarding how car accidents compare with motorcycle accidents, an attorney at our firm might be able to help you. It is especially important to consider speaking to legal counsel after an accident that resulted in your injury. You might be entitled to collect a monetary award, but only if you can prove that the other party was negligent.
The team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to help you review your options and build a strategy for recovering the compensation you deserve. Call in the Strong Arm by phone or through our online contact form right away for a free consultation.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
