Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents in terms of the severity of the crash, the types of injuries those involved sustained, and the dynamics of the crashes. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you might be curious to learn more about these differences.
It’s no secret that motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than people in cars due to the lack of protective barriers, which makes the potential for serious injuries much higher. If you’re in need of legal representation after a motorcycle crash, contact a Westbury motorcycle accident lawyer.
Factors that Make Motorcycle Collisions Different From Car Crashes
Motorcycle collisions are different from car accidents in the way that they occur, the extent of the injuries, and the legal details that are involved. To start with, the main difference between the two is the lack of physical protection for motorcycle riders.
When you’re operating a car, both drivers and passengers alike are protected by seatbelts and airbags. The vehicle’s frame absorbs impact as well. On the other hand, motorcyclists rely solely on their protective gear—like helmets and leather jackets—for safety.
Plus, the likelihood of a motorcycle rider being thrown from their bike during a crash is much higher than for car occupants. Motorcycles are also smaller and much more agile, which can sometimes mean motorcyclists have to reach higher speeds or serve to avoid accidents.
How Speed and Control Play a Role in the Severity of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to a loss of control than cars are, and this is primarily due to the design of the bikes. Unlike cars, motorcycles are single-track vehicles, meaning they have only two wheels instead of four.
This makes them less stable, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions or when motorcyclists swerve to avoid obstacles. Even the slightest loss of balance or road surface irregularity can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the bike.
Also, motorcycle riders can often reach higher speeds at a faster rate than cars because they are smaller in size and lighter in weight. This means accidents are often more severe when things go wrong. Plus, cars have additional safety features, like crumple zones and airbags.
How Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents Compare to Car Crash Injuries
Injuries from motorcycle accidents often drastically differ from those sustained by victims of car accidents. This discrepancy is due to the dynamics and vulnerabilities that are associated with motorcycles but absent—or at least less intense—when driving a car instead.
Here’s more of what you need to know about car accident injuries in New York State and how they differ from injuries in motorcycle accidents. Meanwhile, these are common types of injuries that people riding motorcycles could experience:
- Road rash: Skin abrasions can arise when motorcyclists slide across the pavement. In worst-case scenarios, these injuries can lead to short-term infections and long-term scarring as well.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Despite wearing helmets that are designed to lower your risk of brain damage, motorcycle riders are still very vulnerable to sustaining head trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries: High-speed impacts often cause serious injuries to the backs and necks of motorcyclists.
- Fractures: Motorcyclists’ arms, legs, and collarbones are more susceptible to breaking if they are thrown from their bikes or pinned under vehicles during a crash.
- Internal injuries: Direct impacts can cause damage to organs, and this also heightens the chances of internal bleeding.
Meanwhile, this is a list of injuries commonly experienced by those in cars at the time of the collision:
- Whiplash: This is common because of the rapid back-and-forth neck movements that drivers can experience, especially when they are involved in rear-end collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises can result from the vehicle’s restraint system or the forces of the collision.
- Chest and abdominal injuries: These damages are typically caused by seatbelts or airbags that hit the driver—and their passengers—when they deploy.
- Less severe road–related injuries: Sliding injuries are rare for people in cars because the occupants remain inside the vehicle at all times unless they are dejected from the vehicle.
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Legal Considerations to Keep in Mind Regarding Motorcycle Accidents
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand how the law views your case. Sometimes, motorcyclists are unfairly blamed for accidents, even when other drivers are the ones at fault.
Both insurance companies and court systems are known to show a bias toward motorcyclists. This results in the assumption that the motorcyclist was either riding recklessly or speeding unlawfully prior to the crash.
Not only can this affect the compensation you are entitled to after an accident, but you also need to keep the statute of limitations in mind. Motorcycle accidents often have the same statute of limitations in place as car crashes, though consulting a lawyer is a smart idea.
Contact Our Westbury Motorcycle Accident Law Firm for Legal Representation
If you need someone who will advocate for you throughout the legal process, we’re the ones to call. With Levine And Wiss by your side, you can trust us to help you through this trying time.
Together, our lawyers have over 100 years of experience. In that time, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for people just like you.
Contact us today to learn more about us and what we can do to help you with your case.
