Every day, motorcyclists in Colorado face numerous dangers from motor vehicle drivers. Unlike drivers, motorcyclists don't have vehicle frames, seatbelts, and airbags protecting them. As a result, a motorcycle accident can be a life-changing event with serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Some families even lose loved ones in motorcycle crashes. In one recent fatal crash in Colorado Springs during November, Ryan Girard, 33, tragically lost his life. It happened when Girard's northbound motorcycle collided with another vehicle turning eastbound at the intersection of North Nevada Avenue and Mount View Lane.
At the time of this writing, the incident marked the city's 46th traffic fatality in 2023. It's part of a concerning trend in Colorado Springs, which has seen 52 traffic-related deaths in the past year. At this time in 2022, the city had already seen 50 traffic fatalities for that year.
Common dangers that result in a motorcycle accident
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible compared to cars and trucks. They can easily be obscured by other vehicles, road signs, or environmental elements. This makes them harder for drivers to spot, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.
As a result, motorcyclists often face these risks:
- Blind spots: Motorcycles can easily fall into a vehicle's blind spots. Drivers who don't thoroughly check these areas or rely solely on mirrors when changing lanes or turning often don't see motorcyclists.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists on the road. This lack of attention significantly increases the risk of motorcycle accidents.
- Misjudging speed and distance: Drivers sometimes misjudge the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles due to their smaller size. This can lead to miscalculations when turning or merging into traffic.
- Turning accidents: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may misjudge the motorcycle's speed or not see it at all.
- Sudden stops: Rear-end collisions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. A sudden stop by a vehicle can result in a motorcycle crashing into the back of the car, or worse, the motorcyclist being thrown onto the road.
Motorcycle wrecks can result in severe injuries
Motorcycle wrecks can result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting and life-altering consequences for riders. Some of the most common and serious injuries motorcyclists often sustain include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Motorcycle accidents can lead to head injuries, ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory issues, and other neurological challenges.
- Severe skin abrasions or road rash: When a rider slides across the pavement during an accident, they can suffer from road rash, which can cause deep skin abrasions, infections, and significant pain.
- Bone fractures: Motorcyclists are at risk of fractures to various parts of their bodies, including broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These fractures can be complex and may require surgical intervention.
- Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, ranging from herniated discs to complete paralysis. These injuries often result in permanent disabilities and significant lifestyle changes.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: Impact during a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, leading to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
- Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries: Riders can suffer from sprains, strains, and tears to their muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Facial fractures and dental injuries: Facial injuries, including fractures and dental trauma, are common in motorcycle accidents, often requiring extensive medical treatment and reconstructive surgery.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Severe road rash or burns can result in scarring and disfigurement, impacting a rider's physical appearance and self-esteem.
These injuries not only entail physical pain and suffering but also emotional and financial stress. Seeking prompt medical attention and legal guidance after a motorcycle accident is crucial to ensuring proper treatment, recovery, and pursuing fair compensation for damages.
When you've been injured, count on The Longo Firm
Even if you survive a motorcycle accident, you could be faced with costly medical bills, months of recovery, and time away from work. That's why it's important that you get the right care and full compensation. But don't count on the at-fault driver's insurance company to provide adequate compensation to cover your damages. Insurance companies will often go to great lengths to protect their bottom line, even at your expense.
When you get The Longo Firm, LLC on your side, the insurance companies won't be able to dictate the outcome of your claim. We'll take a personalized and inclusive approach to building your case and ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us to set up a free case evaluation. We'll answer any questions you have, no matter how complex they are.