Distracted Drivers Are a Danger to Motorcycle Riders

Motorcyclists face a unique set of risks on the road, with one of the biggest threats being distracted driving. Distracted driving is very dangerous to motorcycle riders because they do not have the same level of protection as other vehicles. Therefore, when a driver is not paying attention and strikes a motorcycle, the motorcyclist can be immediately thrown from their motorcycle and hit the pavement or another object. This can lead to severe and permanent injuries as well as death.

What makes motorcyclists vulnerable during an accident with a distracted driver?

When a distracted driver is on their cellular device, changing the radio station, or simply looking out the window, they are putting motorcyclists’ lives at risk. The reason for this is because motorcyclists do not have air bags, seat belts, or a protective shield surrounding them like other automobile drivers do. Therefore, when a crash occurs, they do not have the same layers of protections to prevent them from being ejected from their motorcycle, slamming their face into the pavement, or feeling the impact of the 4,000-pound vehicle.

Motorcyclists must also balance on two wheels, meaning that they do not have the stability that other automobile drivers have. That said, when an accident happens, they are likely to lose their balance, fall off their bike, and experience extreme force and impact from the accident.

Common examples of how distracted driving can cause significant injuries to motorcyclists

Distractions have the ability to take the driver’s attention off driving. Therefore, when an individual is engaging in any type of distraction, they may miss important signs, lights, objects, and events occurring in the road. This can lead to a dangerous or deadly accident with a motorcycle within seconds. Here are a few common examples of how distracted drivers can cause significant harm to motorcyclists:

• If they change lanes too quickly without checking their blind spot or looking in their mirrors, they may sideswipe a motorcyclist.
• If they take a quick turn without making sure that another vehicle isn’t approaching, they may collide with an oncoming motorcyclist.
• If they are speeding and looking at another object instead of facing forward with their eyes on the road, they may rear-end a motorcyclist at a stop light or stop sign.

Distracted pedestrians pose risks, too

Many people have heard of the term “distracted driving,” but a new and popular term being used is “distracted walking.” When a person is not paying attention to their surroundings while walking, they are participating in distracted walking. Therefore, if they are looking at their phones, talking with friends, or simply looking at a building or storefront when passing by an intersection, this is considered distracted walking, and it is urged to refrain from doing this, especially in busy and high-traffic areas. The reason for this is because if pedestrians are not focusing on the road or those around them, they may jaywalk into the street and be struck by an oncoming motorcyclist, which can cause severe pain and suffering to both the pedestrian and motorcyclist for years to come.

The injuries that motorcyclists often suffer

Due to their lack of protection, motorcyclists often suffer sudden, life-changing injuries when involved in a crash with an automobile. Some of the most common injuries our firm has seen include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Skull fractures
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Nerve and tissue damage
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Vision issues
• Hearing loss
• Broken and crushed bones
• Burns and road rash
• Cuts and lacerations
• Severe bruising

It is highly recommended that motorcyclists wear helmets and padding at all times when on their motorcycles. However, it is important to know that motorcyclists can still experience severe injuries to their head, skull, and brain even with a helmet on.

How to prove negligence in a Kansas City motorcycle accident

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we will do everything possible to prove that the driver’s negligence caused your accident. However, our team must establish these four important elements in order to do so:

1. Duty of care: The driver had a duty to drive their vehicle with reasonable care as well as keep other drivers safe and harm-free.
2. Breach of duty: The driver breached their duty by failing to drive carefully.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your motorcycle accident.
4. Damages: As a result, you suffered injuries and other losses.

Our personal injury lawyers believe that distracted drivers should be held accountable for failing to keep others safe while sharing the roads. That said, we will advocate for your rights and stand up for the fair compensation you deserve.

The types of losses you can claim from a motorcycle accident

If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured by a distracted driver, you may be wondering what types of losses you can claim. We understand that the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and stressful. To help ensure you receive fair compensation, it can be helpful to write down all the ways the accident has impacted your life. The following are some examples you should consider:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
• Current and future lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Psychological therapy
• Mental trauma
• Medications and surgeries
• Loss of companionship
• Home modifications

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we believe motorcycle accident victims deserve to be treated fairly, regardless of what they choose to drive, and we work endlessly to help these victims hold distracted drivers responsible for their careless and reckless behaviors.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and are ready to fight for your rights, please complete our contact form or call today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph, MO, as well as Olathe, Overland Park, and Kansas City, KS. While we accept walk-in clients at our main office in Kansas City, Missouri, you must have a confirmed appointment to visit our other locations.

Related:

• Dental and Facial Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
• In a Motorcycle Wreck? Make Sure to Replace Your Helmet
• How Pets As Passengers Can Cause Car Accidents