Motorcycle riders can be particularly vulnerable on the roadways, as drivers who are not paying careful attention may not see them and the costs can be catastrophic for motorcyclists. During 2015 in Louisiana, 1,524 motorcyclists were injured or killed; in 2014, 1,497 motorcyclists were injured or killed; in 2013, 1,544 motorcyclists were injured or killed; in 2012, 1,625 motorcyclists were injured or killed and in 2011, 1,711 motorcyclists were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. While it may seem like a lot of numbers, each represents a motorcycle accident victim and family greatly impacted.
Motorcycle accident victims may suffer a variety of damages and their families may suffer damages as well when a motorcyclist has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident. Damages motorcycle accident victims may suffer include medical expenses, lost wages, lost-earning capacity and pain and suffering damages. Because of the potentially catastrophic nature of motorcycle accident injuries, motorcycle accident victims may also face disability, future medical care expenses and lost earning capacity. Family members of fatal motorcycle accident victims may suffer financial and emotional damages as well.
The legal process provides options and remedies for motorcycle accident victims and their families to recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. A personal injury claim for damages may be brought on behalf of an injured motorcyclist, while a wrongful death claim for damages may be brought on behalf of surviving families members of a victim of a fatal motorcycle accident. When drivers negligently injure or otherwise harm motorcyclists, legal options may be available to victims and their families.
A motorcycle accident can unexpectedly alter the lives of victims and their loved ones in an instant. Because of the serious nature of motorcycle accidents, protections are available that motorcycle accident victims and their families should be aware of.
Source: Datareports.lsu.edu, "A4B: Crashes Involving Motorcycles," Accessed April 20, 2016
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