It is not unusual to hear of drunk driver accidents that cause serious injuries to motorcycle riders. What happens if the driver is impaired by alcohol? Is it possible to get compensation for the motorcyclists’ injuries? The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Learn more about your rights if you are injured by a drunk driver. You will also learn how to compensate the victim and prosecute them.
Drunk drivers are a danger to motorcyclists
A recent study revealed that drunk drivers are a significant threat to motorcyclists, placing both parties at risk. Compared to drivers, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to injury and even death in an accident, especially when the drivers are impaired by alcohol. In fact, a third of all motorcycle accident attorney riverside are caused by drunk drivers, and a majority of these accidents are fatal. Drunk drivers are even more of a risk to motorcyclists because they are less protected by their motorcycles.
In 2012, drunk drivers were responsible for a third of all motorcycle-related traffic deaths. Of these, 27 percent were over the legal limit, and the percentage grew with age. Among over-40 motorcyclists, the highest percentage of fatal crashes involved a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. Motorcyclists are often unable to see other vehicles in traffic due to impaired vision, perception, or motor skills.
A motorcyclist who is intoxicated may believe they are tough or adventurous, thinking that they can get away with violating the law. However, it is important to remember that the law applies to everyone, and that you are not exempt from it. A crash with a drunk driver could have serious consequences for you as well as other motorists. There are ways to make your bike more secure and avoid being hit by an intoxicated driver.
In addition to the danger of drunk drivers to motorists, motorcycle riders face a higher risk of accident fatalities because they are not as protected as car drivers. Studies show that motorcycle riders are twice as likely to be in fatal motorcycle accidents than passenger vehicle drivers. Those statistics are concerning, but the fact remains that drunk drivers are a real danger to motorcyclists. We need to raise awareness about drunk driving and how to protect yourself.
Drunk drivers are a major risk to motorcycle riders because they impair their judgment. They are also more likely than others to be distracted while driving, such as talking to passengers, eating, and adjusting the radio. These distractions can cause an accident and affect your judgment and ability to respond appropriately to dangerous situations. Drunk drivers can inflict severe, life-altering traumatic brain injury on top of the obvious dangers.
They can cause serious injuries
It is always unfortunate to be in an accident with drunk drivers, but there are many other ways that they can harm motorcyclists. First, drunk drivers have slower reaction times, impaired cognitive abilities, and lower motor skills. The resulting effect of such behavior is that the rider will be at risk for serious injuries and possibly even death. If the driver is found at fault, a personal injury claim may be filed against the driver.
Biker’s arm is another type of injury from a motorcycle crash. This is most often the result of a side-impact collision or no contact accident. In this case, the impact of the crash can cause severe nerve damage and impairments to the affected limb. The victim’s quality of life may be severely affected if they are paralyzed permanently. The victim of a motorcycle accident deserves to be compensated for their pain and suffering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving is responsible for 1 death every 50 minutes in the United States. Motorcycle riders are significantly more likely to be injured in a motorcycle accident, as the impaired driver’s reaction time and vision are compromised. This makes it less likely that they will see a motorcycle, making them even more dangerous. When this happens, a motorcyclist can be thrown from his or her bike, suffering multiple points of impact.
Even when a drunk driver fails to realize the consequences of their actions, the injured rider will suffer devastating and life-changing results. These cases are usually fatal, leaving the injured victim with an extensive and confusing aftermath. In addition, there are strict time limits when filing a personal injury action against a drunk driver. You must file your lawsuit within two years after the accident date if you are injured in this type of accident.
In addition to drunk drivers causing fatal motorcyclists, many motorcycle accidents are the result of negligent car drivers. Whether they are driving too fast, drinking alcohol, or simply zoned out, they are the main causes of accidents involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are most at risk from left-hand-turn accidents at intersections where bikes can’t see them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42 percent of motorcycle-car accidents occur when a driver turns left into a biker’s path. Lastly, distracted drivers are not keeping a proper lookout and can’t spot a motorcycle until it’s too late.
They can be prosecuted
A DUI case for a drunk driver who hits a motorcyclist involves two separate agencies: law enforcement and criminal prosecution. A DUI case involving a motorcyclist in California involves the arrest of a driver who causes property damage and injury. The criminal prosecutor decides whether the evidence warrants the driver being locked up. If the evidence supports locking the driver up, he or she may be placed on probation. However, the probation does not follow the criminal court decision.
A victim who is injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to the victim, as the driver intentionally caused the motorcycle crash. Punitive damages may be awarded if the blood alcohol level of the driver was egregious. The drunk driver may have only carried a minimum amount of insurance coverage – 15/30/5 liability coverage – and the damages incurred by the motorcyclist will be greater than the driver’s insurance coverage.
If a drunk driver causes an accident and hurts a motorcyclist, they may face serious felony charges. These charges include criminally negligent murder, aggravated vehicular attack, and vehicular manslaughter. These criminal charges can carry prison sentences of one to 10 years. The Mother’s Against Drunk Driving website offers resources for victims, legislative news, counseling recommendations, and statistics.
A drunk driver who causes an accident involving a motorcyclist can be held responsible for the damages caused by the crash. Economic damages, which include past and future medical bills, and long-term care for personal injuries, can all be included in the compensation awarded to the victim. To avoid being injured by the negligent driver, the victim must be able to identify a Potentially Intoxicated Vehicle Operator (PIVO). Be aware of excessive swerving, wide turning, drifting into another lane, and other dangerous behaviors.
They can be compensated
Filing a claim after a drunk driver hit a motorcyclist can help you receive compensation for your injuries. You can make a claim with Progressive to receive compensation for the injuries you suffered. Your claim should detail the damages you experienced, including any psychological issues you may have, damage to your bike, and future expenses. When requesting a settlement, be as specific as you can.
You can usually sue the drunk driver who hit your car on the road. Even if the drunk driver is arrested, you can still file a lawsuit to recover any unrelated bodily injuries you sustained in the accident. It is important to act quickly, as the statute of limitations for personal injuries claims is two years. Contact an aggressive motorcycle DUI accident lawyer today for more information.
Drunk driving is a serious problem for everyone on the road, but it is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. The danger of accidents increases exponentially if a drunk driver is involved. You should seek medical care if you’ve been injured and file a lawsuit as soon as possible to hold the drunk driver responsible for your injuries. Attorneys from Dallas Horton & Associates can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
If the at-fault driver is deemed at fault in the accident, he or she must pay your medical bills and any other expenses related to your injury. This compensation can be in the form of noneconomic damages and past and future medical costs for treatment and long-term care. You must be able to recognize signs that indicate a Potentially Intoxicated Vehicle Operator (PIVO) in order to protect yourself. You should be alert for unusual swerving and wide turns. An PIVO can be a dangerous driver who might drift into other lanes and cause a crash.