Any accident on our highways and roads can be horrible and life-changing. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries than other road users because they are out in the open, ride on two wheels, and their vehicles are lighter and smaller than most. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, your financial situation may change due to hefty medical bills and an inability to work because of your injuries. If someone else caused the accident that injured you, you may have a right to take legal action. To pursue compensation from the person who harmed you, contact a Watertown motorcycle accident lawyer from Turbak Law Office, P.C..
Our team of dedicated Watertown motorcycle accident lawyer is passionate about what they do and cares about the clients they serve. So, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us online or at 605-886-8361 for a free consultation with one of our legal professionals.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are numerous reasons why motorcycle accidents occur, are in common with car accidents. Some of the reasons includes:
- Car Doors – Open car doors are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. If a car door suddenly opens in front of a motorcyclist, they have little to no time to react.
- Dangerous Road Conditions – When other drivers don’t adjust their driving for hazardous conditions, motorcyclists, given their vehicle’s lighter weight and small size, are at an increased risk of injury when a collision occurs.
- Speeding – Drivers who engage in aggressive driving, such as speeding and weaving between lanes, put motorcyclists and other road users at greater risk. The faster a vehicle goes, the less time the driver has to react to and avoid potential crashes.
- Driving under the Influence – When drivers get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, they have impaired judgment and response times, increasing their risk of crashing into a motorcycle or other road user.
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who text, change the controls on their audio system or GPS, eat, drink, or engage in other distracting behaviors don’t have their full attention on the road. When a distracted driver looks away from the road, they won’t see potential collisions they might otherwise avoid.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are not protected by the metal shells that enclose people riding inside passenger vehicles. As a result, their injuries tend to be more often severe injuries, even when wearing helmets and other protective gear. Some common injuries from motorcycle accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – These devastating injuries can occur even if the rider is wearing a helmet. A TBI can happen when there is a sudden violent blow or jolt to the head.
- Broken Bones – If the motorcyclist gets thrown from the bike after an accident, broken bones are likely.
- Spinal Cord Damage – The spinal cord sends and receives signals from the body and the brain. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent damage, even paralysis.
- Road Rash – Motorcyclists who fall off a fast-moving bike can experience skin scraping off their bodies when they slide along the road.
- Loss of Limbs – Motorcyclists involved in a severe accident can lose arms or legs if their limbs are trapped between a vehicle and another hard surface or under a vehicle.
A Watertown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim
Many motorcycle accidents are complex and require professional legal representation and advice to increase the chances of compensation. A knowledgeable and experienced Watertown motorcycle accident lawyer will:
- Investigate your Case – Your lawyer will dive into the details of how the accident occurred, gathering evidence and making a determination about who was at fault for the crash.
- Speak to Eyewitnesses – Your lawyer will contact any witnesses to the accident to gather additional evidence that could support your claim.
- Speak to First Responders – After the accident, a police officer will complete a report. Your lawyer will get a copy, and if they have additional questions, they may contact the officer.
- Communicate with All Other Parties – Your lawyer will handle all communications and interactions with the at-fault party, their insurer, or their lawyers.
- Negotiate a Fair Settlement – Your attorney will use their well-honed negotiation skills to attempt to reach an appropriate settlement that covers the full value of your claim.
- Take Your Claim to Court – If the parties cannot reach a fair settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in court and take your case to trial.
It is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money. Most of the time, they report to their shareholders, who expect them to make a profit. One of the ways insurance companies protect their bottom lines is to pay as little as possible in settlements. If an insurance company contacts you with a personal injury claim or a settlement offer, refer them to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Watertown.
Compensation From Motorcycle Accidents
Compensation can cover different types of losses, from medical to psychological. Common types of compensation you may be entitled to after being injured in an accident caused by someone else include:
- Medical Expenses – You can be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, including hospital stays, outpatient appointments with doctors, prescription costs, ongoing physical therapy, and even travel to and from the appointments. It is important to keep a record of all your medical expenses.
- Loss of Income – Motorcycle accident victims may miss extended work periods due to injuries. You may be compensated for this loss of income as well as the loss of future income you would have received if not for the accident.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – If the accident results in injuries so severe that you cannot return to your original line of work, you can claim compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – You could be compensated for the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering can include physical or psychological issues as well as loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage – Your claim should include the costs of repairing or replacing any personal property that was damaged in the crash, including your motorcycle.
South Dakota Statute of Limitations
In South Dakota, the statute of limitations allows an injured person three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the person who harmed them. If you file your lawsuit after the statutory period lapses, the court can dismiss it without a hearing. If that happens, you lose your best leverage against the insurance company. You also lose the opportunity to pursue the compensation you deserve in court.
Five Things to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident with serious injuries can be chaotic and stressful. If you follow these five steps, you will protect your health while ensuring you have enough information to file a claim for your injuries:
Get Medical Attention and Contact the Police
Your health is the first and foremost priority. You should move to a safe location, call the police, and seek medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should see a doctor. Sometimes, it takes days or weeks for injuries to appear.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, use your phone to take as many pictures and videos of the accident scene as possible. You should document your injuries and the condition of your motorcycle and the other vehicles. Also, take shots of any weather or road conditions that may have led to or contributed to the accident.
Get Contact Information
You should collect contact information from the others involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Also, you should get contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Your lawyer may need to speak to them about these information.
Keep and Organize Records
You should keep a folder containing all records of your accident. Include every medical bill and insurance document, the police report, and any contact information. This is the time to be organized, as it will help your motorcycle accident attorney with your claim.
Hire a Watertown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An experienced Watertown motorcycle accident attorney can ease your stress by working on your legal claim while you recover from your injuries. Consequently, your lawyer will protect your rights and fight for you.
Our Watertown motorcycle accident lawyers at Turbak Law Office, P.C. are well-versed in handling all personal injury claims. Our firm have extensive knowledge of South Dakota laws. We also keep up with new developments that could positively affect our clients. Additionally, we also have experience as personal injury attorneys in dealing with insurance companies who try to settle cases for less than they are worth.
Our legal team fights for your right to compensation while caring for your needs as you go through the stressful process of recovering from your injuries. Our law firm, has been in business for over 40 years and has built a reputation for high-quality legal work. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, contact us online or at for a free consultation.