For motorcyclists, the freedom of the open road comes with a constant, heightened state of awareness. They know they are less visible than other vehicles and ride accordingly. Unfortunately, they are still at the mercy of car and truck drivers who fail to share the road safely. When a crash occurs, the most common and infuriating excuse a rider hears is, “I’m sorry, I just didn’t see the motorcycle.”

This is not a valid legal defense; it is an admission of negligence.

The tragic reality of this negligence is laid bare in the data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to their official statistics on motorcycle safety, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than occupants in passenger cars. Thousands of riders are killed each year, and tens of thousands more suffer devastating injuries.

These statistics underscore the immense vulnerability of riders and the profound responsibility of other drivers to remain vigilant. When they fail in that duty, the consequences are life-altering.

The Unique Dangers and Legal Challenges of a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle provides its rider with virtually no protection in a collision. Unlike the occupant of a car, a rider is exposed to direct impact with the other vehicle and the road surface, leading to a high probability of catastrophic injuries.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, the force of a rider’s head striking the pavement or another vehicle can cause a severe traumatic brain injury.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact can easily lead to fractures of the vertebrae and damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis.
• “Road Rash” and Degloving Injuries: Sliding across asphalt can cause severe abrasions that strip away layers of skin, leading to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and a high risk of infection.
• Multiple Fractures: It is common for riders to suffer numerous broken bones in their legs, arms, and ribs.

Insurance companies are acutely aware of the severity of these injuries, and they will fight aggressively to minimize their payout. They often rely on unfair stereotypes, attempting to paint the rider as a risk-taker to shift blame.

How We Fight the Bias and Win Your Case

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows how to overcome this bias and prove the other driver’s negligence.

1. Thorough Accident Reconstruction: We work with top experts to reconstruct the crash, using evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and any available video to show exactly how the other driver’s actions—like an unsafe lane change or pulling out without looking—caused the collision.
2. Demonstrating the Full Cost of Your Injuries: We build a powerful case that documents the total impact of your injuries, including all current and future medical expenses, lost income, and the immense pain and suffering you have endured.
3. Holding All Parties Accountable: We investigate every aspect of the crash, whether it involves another passenger car, a large commercial truck in a truck accident, or even a dangerous road condition.

In the most tragic cases, where a family has lost a loved one, we provide compassionate and determined representation in a wrongful death claim to secure the family’s future and honor the memory of the rider.

You have the right to ride, and other drivers have a legal duty to see you. When they fail, we are here to hold them accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Manoukian Law for a free and confidential consultation.