August 06, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- There is rarely such a thing as a non-serious motorcycle accident. When a motorcycle is hit by a passenger vehicle or the motorcyclist loses control because of a weather or road condition, serious injury or even death often result.
Motorcycle riders are at a great disadvantage to other drivers when it comes to protection. Motorcycles do not have protective steel cages, air bags, stability control or the other safety features that come standard with most cars and trucks. The fact that they have two wheels instead of four makes motorcycles much less stable than other motor vehicles. While a car is capable of maneuvering around debris in the roadway or going over a pothole or uneven road surface, any of these conditions can cause a motorcyclist to lose control. Motorcycles also are much less visible on the road, making it easier for drivers to hit them when changing lanes or merging onto a highway.
If motorcyclists are lucky, they may walk away from an accident with a couple of broken bones and road rash. Many riders, however, suffer a much more catastrophic injury, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, amputation or multiple fractures. These injuries can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays. The injured motorcyclist also may require extensive help caring for him or herself, either at a live-in residential facility or at home from a family member or visiting nurse.
Injuries Impact the Whole Family
Many people do not realize that when a loved one suffers a serious injury, their lives also are going to change. This is particularly true in cases of TBIs and other catastrophic injuries where the person is going to require round-the-clock care. Oftentimes, families cannot afford a nurse to provide this care and must provide it themselves. In order to provide sufficient care, a family member may have to quit his or her job, or switch to a job with less of a time commitment, usually for less pay.
Even if the injured person does not require long-term care from a family member, he or she will still need someone to take them to follow-up exams, rehab and other health-care-related appointments. Despite the fact that most family members may be happy to help out, this still requires a considerable time commitment and may interfere with the family member's other obligations, such as work.
Caring for a loved one with a catastrophic injury can be emotionally difficult as well. In the case of TBIs, the person may undergo severe personality changes and never be the same again. TBI victims can suffer from depression, anxiety and aggression. They also can have trouble concentrating and may lose some of their short-term memory. This can be just as frustrating for the TBI sufferer as it is for the loved ones trying to help him or her deal with the condition.
Taking care of the injured family member can also cause considerable financial stress. In some cases, the person's injuries may be serious enough to prevent him or her from returning to work. The injured person's insurance benefits may not be enough to cover all of their expenses, and the medical bills can quickly accumulate, leaving the person with little to no money to pay for basic necessities, like rent and food. The burden often falls to family members to compensate for the financial shortfall. While the family may be able to do so over the short term, it can become more difficult in long-term situations.
Protecting Yourself in the Worst Case Scenario
There are some things motorcyclists can do to protect themselves and their loved ones against the possibility of a serious injury. First, every motorcyclist always should wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet greatly increases a motorcyclist's chances of survival. Bikers also should wear other protective gear, including appropriate eyewear, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants and boots.
Motorcyclists should also check their insurance policies, especially their level of motor vehicle coverage. It is never a good idea to carry only the state minimum coverage requirements.
Having the right policy and sufficient coverage can help cover costs for property damages, medical bills, lost wages and other losses stemming from a motorcycle accident.
The risk of suffering a catastrophic injury is great in a motorcycle accident. While there is little a motorcyclist may be able to do to prevent a crash from happening, there are steps a motorcyclist can take to help protect him or herself after the crash.
For more information on strategies to help protect you and your family in the case of an accident, contact an experienced attorney today.
Article provided by Monckton Law Firm PA
Visit us at
www.beachbikelaw.com---
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