With 32 motorcycle accident deaths in 2015, it was the deadliest year for motorcyclists in 20 years. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you have little chance of escaping injury. If you were in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover financially from high medical bills, lost time from work, and even for pain and suffering.

Topics covered:

Androscoggin County motorcycle accident statistics
Common injuries after a motorcycle accident
Safety tips for motorcycle riders
Safety precautions other drivers should abide by
The financial aftermath
Motorcycle laws in Maine

Androscoggin County – Breaking Down the Stats

Androscoggin County motorcyclists were involved in 269 accidents between 2008 and 2012. Unlike the occupants of a car, motorcycle riders are not protected by roofs, doors or safety belts. That’s why, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. After an accident, recovery times could be extremely long regardless of how minor your injuries appear. Even a broken limb could mean weeks out of work and rehabilitation therapy. You should not have to bear the financial brunt of this type of an accident if you are not at fault.

You can see Motorcycle Fatalities, by county, over the last 5 years on our Motorcycle Accident Statistics page.

Common Injuries after a Motorcycle Accident

When you are involved in an accident while driving a motorcycle you could face some of the following injuries:

Head Injuries: These can be devastating and range from a concussion to a fractured skull.
Road Rash: While this may sound like a minor injury, it can escalate if infected or inflamed.
Muscle Damage: Eardrums, leg, and shoulder and chest muscles can be pulled, torn or strained.
Leg Injuries: These can range from scrapes and bruises to burns and broken legs.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riders are responsible to drive safely and to share the road with other vehicles. Here are some areas to consider when preparing to hit the road:

Training: Ride the type of bike you have been properly trained to operate.

Visibility: Drivers may not always see or hear your bike. You may be more visible if you are traveling in a group of bikes Bright clothing increases visibility.

Clothing: Think about safety gear. Have you considered a helmet, goggles, elbow and knee pads? Have you considered the possible benefits of long pants and a long sleeved jacket?

Defense: Drive defensively. Plan ahead for the unexpected and do everything possible to avoid a collision.

Antilock brakes: According to Consumer Reports, antilock brakes are a proven lifesaver and help the driver better control the bike in an emergency situation.

Safety Precautions Other Drivers Should Abide By

Other drivers need to be mindful of the fact that they share the roadways with motorcyclists. Drivers should:

Maintain awareness: Be aware of all other vehicles including motorcycles. Share the road with the bikes.

Keep a safe stopping distance: Bikes can be slower in coming to a stop than other types of vehicles. Give your vehicle enough distance in all directions from the bike.

Double check mirrors: Because of their smaller size, bikes can be more difficult to see than other vehicles. Always double-check your mirrors.

Avoid distractions: Never drive distracted.

The Financial Aftermath

Since 80% of reported motorcycle accidents involve an injury or death, in addition to your motorcycle being damaged, it’s likely that you are facing weeks of rehabilitation therapy, time out of work, and expenses for pain medication. You should not have to deal with a financial loss after a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s inattentiveness or negligence. An attorney can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to, even when insurance companies are trying to pay as little as possible.

Current Laws in Maine

Maine requires anybody in the following circumstances to wear a helmet:

Riders under 18,
Riders with a learner’s permit, and
Riders who completed their driving test less than a year ago.

Visit our Maine motorcycle laws page for a full list of regulations about insurance requirements, the inspection sticker law, and motorcycle equipment.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

If you are a motorcyclist, getting into an accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In this FAQ, we’ll provide you with essential information about the common causes of motorcycle accidents, what you should do after a motorcycle accident, who might be responsible for the accident, and the potential value of your claim.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reason, such as:

Failure of drivers to see motorcycles while turning or switching lanes
Speeding, texting and driving, impaired driving, and other dangerous behaviors
Failing to yield the right of way, following too closely, and disobeying traffic signs or signals

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident,, here are some immediate steps you can take to protect your health and your claim:

Move to safety to prevent any secondary accidents or injuries
Call 911 to report the accident to the police and request an ambulance
Get the other driver’s information, including their contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information
Ask witnesses for their contact information
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the damage to vehicles, and your injuries
Seek immediate medical treatment and follow all of your doctor’s orders and restrictions

In case of a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our compassionate motorcycle accident lawyers for help.

Who Is Responsible for My Motorcycle Accident?

The party responsible for your motorcycle accident depends on the cause of the accident. Some common parties responsible for motorcycle accidents include:

Negligent drivers who speed, fail to yield the right-of-way, or engage in distracted driving
Government entities responsible for poor road maintenance
Product manufacturers when accidents are due to defective vehicles or auto parts
Employers if the person who caused the accident was working at the time of the accident

What Is the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The potential value of your claim depends on the damages you suffered. Damages might include:

Medical expenses for emergency medical care and transport, hospitalization, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and medication
Lost wages for the time you are off work
Lost earning capacity if you suffer a permanent disability and are unable to return to work
Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle
Pain and suffering
Mental and emotional anguish and distress

Getting into a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but being more aware of your rights and options can make a difference. Follow the steps provided in this FAQ and reach out to our experienced lawyers who can help you with your claim.

Speak with an Experienced Attorney

You need to find a lawyer who is willing to stand up for your rights and protect your interests. Whether you have been injured, or you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you can count on Fales & Fales, P.A. to help.

We’ve successfully fought for many clients injured in a motorcycle accident, including a Lisbon man who received a $450,000 settlement. Below is a review from one of our previous clients.

I highly recommend Fales & Fales, they are very professional and get straight to what needs to be done, Tony is an excellent lawyer and very efficient with his work, customer service is great as well. They communicate with you and help you in the best way possible, very caring and very friendly. I trust them with any legal issues. Give them a chance and they will not disappoint you. Thank you very much Fales and False.

– Ali M.

Call us today at 888-526-9408 for a free consultation or contact us online. Remember, unless we are successful in winning a settlement, you pay nothing for our services.

Lewiston, Maine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers