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Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Rhode Island Motorcycle Accidents
Rhode Island only has approximately 27,000 registered motorcycles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Nevertheless, if you own or ride any one of these vehicles in the state, you undoubtedly know that you are at risk of being involved in a motorcycle wreck.
Given that you, the rider, are completely exposed while riding a motorcycle, you are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries in a crash. If these injuries come about because of the careless or negligent actions of another motorist, you have the right to pursue compensation from that driver.
The Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorneys at Sands Law are prepared to protect your legal right to compensation, so give us a call today if you or a loved one have been recently injured in a motorcycle wreck.
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Injuries Motorcyclists Can Expect in a Crash
Motorcycles, of course, generally lack most of the basic features that keep drivers and passengers of other motor vehicles safe on the road, like airbags and seat belts. If you’re in a motorcycle crash, you, as the motorcyclist, will invariably sustain more severe injuries, which can include any of the following:
Brain and Head Injuries
About 69,000 people died due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2021, and motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle wrecks, stand as a leading cause of such injuries. Because of the design of most motorcycles, a biker’s head is left completely uncovered and thus vulnerable in a crash.
Wearing a properly-fitted and approved helmet reduces the risk of a fatal brain or head injury, of course, but it does not eliminate the risk of a TBI or other head injury altogether, and the consequences of one can range from persistent headaches to mood changes, seizures, and even functional limitations.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spinal cord runs from the base of your skull down to just above your waistline. It consists of a bundle of nerves responsible for transmitting signals from the brain that correspond to movement or taking some other form of action. The spinal cord also transmits sensory information to the brain about your body and environment.
Aside from protective clothing, there are no significant means through which you can protect your spinal cord in the event of a crash. Being thrown from your bike or landing on your back can lead to serious damage. Temporary harm to your spinal cord alone can lead to a loss of sensation in your arms or legs, whereas permanent damage can lead to a loss of the use of your arms or legs altogether.
Broken Hips and Broken Leg Bones
While your arms and hands are at risk of injury in a crash, so too are your hips and legs. An injury to your hips, femur, or the smaller bones of your lower legs, can be incapacitating and require significant time to heal. Boots and other protective garments may protect against some minor injuries, but a forceful-enough motorcycle crash can fracture or completely break the bones that comprise your hips or legs.
Road Rash
Lastly, if you are thrown or knocked off your bike during a crash, there is a chance you may slide across concrete or pavement and thereby suffer road rash, an abrasion caused by exposed skin being scraped off as it gets dragged across a road’s surface. Anyone who has skinned their knee as a child knows that, while rarely fatal, skin abrasions can be painful, and road rash is no exception.
There is also a risk of infection if dirt and debris enter the open wounds left behind by the impact, though you can reduce the likelihood of road rash by covering up your body with protective attire that covers as much of your body as possible.
Nevertheless, no matter your injuries, Sands Law is the Rhode Island motorcycle accident law firm you’ll want to trust with your personal injury case. Part of our comprehensive investigation of your case involves understanding the nature and extent of your injuries and connecting them to your crash via collected evidence, a crucial step that enables us to pursue all of the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries.
When a competent Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney is at your side, they can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Learn why others have trusted Sands Law to handle their case by contacting us today.
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Crash
Taking swift action following a motorcycle wreck is a vital step toward protecting both your physical health and your legal rights. Be certain that you do the following once you are able:
1. Check Yourself for Injuries and Get Medical Help
You likely suffered some form of injury in your crash, so take stock of your condition before you do anything else. If you are bleeding profusely, have extensive road rash, hit your head, or suspect you have sustained some other serious injury, do not hesitate to call 911 and request emergency assistance.
Otherwise, make plans to go to the nearest hospital as soon as you can and be checked for injuries, then follow any discharge instructions you are given and keep up with any and all follow-up appointments.
2. Collect Evidence if You Can
If you still have your phone on you, take photographs of all vehicles involved in the accident and the surrounding location of the crash. Try to capture as many details as possible, as it will be impossible to recreate the scene once cleaned up.
In addition, make sure to note who is present at the scene. Take down the information of the other motorists, if possible, including their names, addresses, and insurance information. Try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses that are on scene, as well, and try to ascertain what each of them saw, if anything. Doing so will help your Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyer find and depose witnesses more quickly.
3. Do Not Talk About the Crash or a Settlement Right Away
If a law enforcement officer, insurance adjuster, at-fault motorist, or anyone else wants to discuss the facts of the case with you, ask to speak with a Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney first. Similarly, if you are approached by anyone and offered a settlement in lieu of pursuing a compensation claim, discuss it with your attorney before responding.
Your Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you on how to respond to questions from other parties without jeopardizing your right to full compensation. They can also review any settlement offer with you, advise whether an offer adequately and fairly compensates you, and help negotiate a more favorable settlement if it does not.
Motorcycle Crash FAQs
As an experienced Rhode Island motorcycle accident law firm, we have handled numerous motorcycle accident cases and handled countless questions from injury victims just like you. Some of the questions we hear most frequently are as provided here.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
One of our knowledgeable Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyers will review your bills, doctor’s notes, time or wage statements, and any other evidence to determine what an appropriate amount of compensation for you could be. You are entitled to seek compensation for any loss or monetary expense you incurred because of your crash, and you can also pursue compensation for any emotional or mental harm you may be suffering from.
How Long Can I Wait Before Talking with an Attorney?
Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases is three years from the date of an accident. However, you should make it a point to talk with a Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney before you approach the deadline.
The sooner your attorney can get working on your case, the better chance they will be able to secure evidence that is helpful to your claim, and the sooner your attorney gets started, the sooner you’ll reach a resolution.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Do not let money prevent you from seeking legal help from a talented attorney. Most civil lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. It also means that your attorney fees will come from a percentage of your compensation award, and if you win nothing, you pay nothing.
I Have Been Offered a Settlement. Why Should I Not Take It?
A settlement may be the best way to resolve your case, but as a Rhode Island motorcycle accident law firm that cares about our clients, we want to ensure that any settlement offer you are fielded compensates you as much as possible. As such, we recommend you speak with us at Sands Law before agreeing to any settlement offer presented to you.
If we determine that your settlement offer isn’t fair, we’ll do everything we can to get you the money you deserve. This can include mediation, arbitration with a neutral party, and if all else fails, fighting for you in civil court.
Our Dedicated Rhode Island Motorcycle Wreck Team Is Here for You
Time is of the essence after you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident. There is much to worry about, but one thing you don’t need to stress about is your legal rights and the ability to recover compensation. Retain the professionals at Sands Law, your dependable Rhode Island motorcycle accident law firm, and let us look after your legal interests.
We pride ourselves not only on getting results for our clients but on helping them rest easy throughout the entire process. With Sands Law by your side, you can rest easy knowing your claim for damages is in our experienced hands. Contact us today to discuss your case with us further.
