Motorcycle Accidents

Why Are Rear-End Collisions with Motorcycles so Common?

Rear-End collisions have always plagued drivers, but since the advent of the cell phone, it seems that they occur more frequently than ever. While tailgating or driving too fast can be to blame, more often than not, the driver at fault was distracted by a phone call or text. The accidents are usually so simple that many insurance companies refer to them as no-doubt liability cases. Common traffic laws require vehicles to follow at a safe distance and travel at a safe rate of speed, so even if a car stops short in front of them, there should be enough time and distance to react safely. When someone Rear-Ends you, it is usually because they failed follow one of the above rules, or they became distracted for a moment.

The Unique Case of a Motorcycle Rear-End Accident

Motorcyclists are not immune to these distracted or dangerous drivers. In fact, they are far more vulnerable to these negligent actions than other motorists are. If a motorcyclist is Rear-Ended, he may be thrown from the bike into other traffic lanes or crushed between two cars.

Motorcyclists face an added challenge that stems from their overall visibility on the road. When motorists approach a stoplight, they are primarily scanning for other cars and trucks. It can be difficult to pick out a motorcycle in a crowd when you are not specifically looking for one, and while it is no excuse, this often exposes bikers to serious Rear-End accidents.

Another very common cause or Rear-End crashes is the relative braking power of a motorcycle compared to other vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer takes two full football field lengths to come to a stop at highway speeds, and a car takes about ten car lengths to stop. However, a motorcycle can stop in a fraction of that time due to its light weight. If a motorcycle stops short, a car or truck will have a very difficult time braking in time, even while following at a safe distance.

Regardless of the reason, Rear-End collisions involving motorcycles are extraordinarily dangerous, and they often result in the motorcyclists being thrown from their bikes and suffering serious head, neck, and internal injuries. Following a crash like that, a motorcyclist that survives it will require expensive medical care.

Despite the fact that these claims are often considered no-doubt liability cases, any time serious injury is part of the aftermath, it is a good idea to involve an attorney to ensure that a proper settlement is reached that will allow a motorcyclist to get the necessary treatment and care.

If you have been injured in a Rear-End motorcycle collision in the Raleigh area, Maurer Law can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Set up a free consultation today by calling our office at 888-258-1087 or filling out our easy online contact form.

Is Paying more for a Motorcycle that Has an Anti-Lock Braking System Worth the Money?

In today’s economy, a majority of people don’t want to spend a lot of money, no matter what the purchase is. For instance, some drivers opt not to pay extra for motorcycles that feature anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and prefer to save by buying those without.Anti-lock brakes can come in handy, particularly when coming to a sudden stop. For instance, if you are riding down Route 70 and a collision occurs immediately in front of you, you may face serious injuries if you have to slam on your breaks and flip over your handlebars as a result. ABS may prevent that from happening.

How Anti-Lock Brakes May Help?

Although they may cost a bit extra, Anti-Lock brakes can prevent injuries and tragedies from occurring. Owning a bike that features this type of braking system has benefits in addition to improved control during sudden stops:

You won’t notice it’s there unless you need it. Some bikers worry that anti-lock braking systems will interfere with the way their existing brakes work. On the contrary, the system won’t affect normal braking and you’ll only notice them in an emergency, when you need them the most.
Systems are Light-Weight. Most Anti-Lock braking systems only weigh about a pound-and-a-half, which means there’s no drag on performance.

Spend the Extra Bit of Money

Anti-Lock braking systems typically don’t increase the cost of motorcycles by exorbitant amounts. In actuality, the amount of money you spend on this type of braking system could prevent you from having to pay much more, if you get into an accident because your bike wasn’t equipped with the brakes.

Unfortunately, even if you have a motorcycle with ABS, you might not be able to stop becoming the victim of an accident. The attorneys of Maurer Law may be able to help you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Speak with us today through our live website chat feature to find out more.

What Are the Different Degrees of Road Burn Bikers Can Experience from a Motorcycle Crashes in Raleigh?

Road burn is a common injury when a motorcycle crashes. They often occur when motorists fall off of their bikes or become lodged in between two objects, such as the bike and the road. The injuries are categorized into different degrees based on their severity and the treatment they require. Here, an attorney discusses the degrees.

First-Degree Road Burn

The most minor of road burns is considered first degree. Those who experience this injury typically have reddened skin that looks similar to rug burn. Usually medical treatment is not needed for this type of road burn, but you should visit a doctor if you become concerned.

Second-Degree Road Burn

This type of road burn causes the outer layer of skin to break. The skin layers underneath are left intact and the potential for scarring is low. If scarring does occur, it is usually minimal. Second-Degree road burns are often treated at home with over-the-counter topical ointments and frequent washes. However, visit a doctor to ensure that is the only treatment you require.

Third-Degree Road Burn

Third-Degree road burns are quite serious and require immediate medical attention. Road burns that result in all five skin layers being scraped away, leaving the muscle and fat exposed, are classified as Third-Degree burns. Along with scarring, these burns are prone to infection.

Treatment of road burn can become extremely expensive, particularly if surgery is required. Unless you have the help of an attorney on your side, you may be held responsible for the costs, which is unfair.

The legal team of the Maurer Law Offices has helped many victims of Raleigh motorcycle accidents receive the compensation they need to pay those bills. Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your situation. We also invite you to “Like” us on Facebook to receive even more informative updates!

What Should I Do if I Think I’ve Broken My Collarbone after Being in a Motorcycle Crash in Raleigh?

You’re a safe driver and wear all of the proper equipment when you’re riding on your bike but you still don’t feel right after you were the victim of a motorcycle crash while riding in Raleigh. Your collarbone area is bruised, swollen, and sore, and you wonder if you’ve broken it. What should you do?

Visit a Doctor

Not receiving medical attention for your potentially broken collarbone could make your injury worse. Infection and improper healing could occur if you allow the fracture to attempt to heal by itself without any medical intervention. A doctor will also begin a record that documents your injury, along with the diagnostics and treatments for your issue. This record is essential if you plan on attempting to file a lawsuit for compensation.

Contact an Attorney

The medical bills and pain that a fractured collarbone causes can have a major impact on your life. By hiring an attorney, you may be able to receive compensation for the costs and the inconvenience that results of this accident. An experienced attorney will fight for your rights and do all he can to get you what you are owed.

The attorneys of Maurer Law have helped many clients who have been injured in accidents, and may be able to help you, too. Contact us today to speak with a motorcycle crash lawyer about your situation.

If you know someone who received a fractured collarbone after a motorcycle crash, we encourage you to share this information with him or her. It may be just the information they are looking for.

What Clothing or Gear Can Keep Me Protected if I’m in a Motorcycle Accident?

Wearing the proper clothing and protective gear in aRaleigh motorcycle accident could mean the difference between life and death. Although what you are wearing probably won’t stop you from getting involved in the accident in the first place, it could stop serious and life-altering injuries from taking place.

Helmet

Perhaps the most important piece of equipment to wear on a motorcycle is the helmet. Traumatic brain injuries are often the result of motorcycle accidents, and helmets may prevent that from happening. Although you can certainly still experience problems while wearing the helmet, they may reduce the severity.

Arm and Leg Coverings

No one expects to become involved in a motorcycle crash, which is why many hop on their bikes wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts. If their skin meets the pavement going 60 mph, that type of clothing will do nothing to protect their skin. Always wear pants and jackets that are made from thick material, such as leather, to possibly prevent road rash and other injuries from occurring.

Boots and Gloves

Your feet and hands can become injured during a crash, so don’t forget to keep them safe as well. Wear heavy boots and gloves that are made for riding to help protect yourself from injury during a collision.

If you were the victim of a Raleigh motorcycle accident, you may be facing a long road ahead that is filled with pain, set-backs, and costly medical bills. The attorneys of Maurer Law don’t think you should be held responsible for the costs, and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney about your situation and to learn more about your rights — all during your obligation-free consultation.

Know someone who rides? We encourage you to share this information with him or her — it could save a life!

What is the most Common Cause of a Raleigh Motorcycle Crash?

If you ride a motorcycle, the thought of getting into a crash has probably crossed your mind. Odds are if you do become involved in a collision, you will get hurt. This frightening truth makes many riders wonder what exactly causes accidents. Knowing how a Raleigh motorcycle crash is often caused may prevent you from becoming a victim of one.

Cars and Trucks Commonly Cause Crashes

The truth is, cars and trucks are the common causes of crashes. Bikers have a variety of factors against them — including the fact that drivers often don’t see them, and that they have no protection during a collision.

Motorists Fail to Recognize Motorcyclists

Many motorists don’t think to look for bikers when they are driving. If they’re not looking for them, they likely won’t see them, which can cause a serious collision. Additionally, car and truck drivers often expect bikers to yield to them—instead of the opposite. As you can probably imagine, serious problems can result because of this.

Left Turns Kill

One of the most common causes of a motorcycle crash has to do with making a left turn. When cars and trucks are attempting to turn that way and a biker is coming towards them going straight, the motorist often fails to realize just how close or far away the motorcycle is. The small size of the bike can be confusing. Motorists can make the wrong judgment call and turn, causing the motorcyclist to collide right into the vehicle.

If you were involved in a Raleigh motorcycle crash that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the medical bills and vehicle repairs that often occur as a result.

The attorneys of Maurer Law may be able to help you recover those fees. Call us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer and find out if we can do for you what we’ve done for many others.

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What Are Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents?

It is a known fact that motorcycles are much more dangerous than passenger vehicles on the motorways. The obvious reason is because they offer little protection for the rider. However, this has not stopped people from buying motorcycles in increasingly large numbers. The fact that the number of vehicles on the roads is also rising means that the risks of driving a motorcycle are also rising. Motorcycles are cheaper and often times easier to drive/maintain than passenger cars. This is why motorcycles have become a favorite in Raleigh Durham, North Carolina, and many other areas. Also, motorcycles have become the vehicle of choice for adults looking to buy second vehicles; hence, they are also becoming popular among those over 40. However, the possibility of being in a motorcycle accident is real and it is best that you know the statistics related to motorcycle accidents before you sink thousands of dollars into a motorcycle.

Statistics for Motorcycle Related Fatalities

Any good attorney or lawyer specializing in motorcycle wrecks and personal injury cases probably knows these statistics, which are taken from the Governors Highway Safety Association report in 2012 and from reports by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

Alarmingly, fatalities including motorcycles in the United States rose significantly (by close to 9 percent) in the year 2012
Although the total number of traffic fatalities decreased in the country over the period of 1977 to 2011, deaths due to motorcycle accidents doubled every year during the same period
Deaths related to motorcycle accidents have risen steadily in 14 of the last 15 years
Motorcycle accident fatalities have increased in 34 states in the nation
In the year 2011, the number of deaths related to motorcycle accidents was 3760. This number rose to 3922 in 2012
Motorcyclists below the age of 40 years are 36 times more likely to die than their peers who drive other vehicles
Deaths among motorcyclists rose in all age groups from 1988 to 2000

Although these statistics show that it is becoming increasingly dangerous to drive motorcycles in the US, the number of states that have universal helmet laws decreased over a period from 1977 to 2011 (going from 26 to 19). You don’t need a lawyer to tell you that wearing a helmet can reduce the chances of grievous injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents.

At Maurer Law, we handle all types of accidents involving personal injures sustained in motorcycle wrecks and other motor vehicle accidents. Give us a call today for a FREE consultation with a board certified civil trial lawyer. 888-258-1087.