More than 4,000 motorcyclists are killed each year, and nearly 100,000 more are injured in crashes on America’s roadways. Motorcyclists are more than 20 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash, and five times more likely to be injured, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
While motorcyclists are often blamed for the injuries they suffer, the fact is that in most crashes they are not the ones at fault. More often, they are struck by car and truck drivers who fail to control their vehicles and respect motorcyclists’ rights to be on the roadways.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Berman & Simmons support your right to ride. We are experts in the laws that protect motorcyclists and we understand the unique hazards that you face because we have successfully represented hundreds of motorcyclists who have been seriously injured in crashes in Maine
For the best results, you need the best Maine motorcycle accident lawyers
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maine, contact us and speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We handle all types of injury claims resulting from motorcycle accidents, with a particular focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine. We have recovered $1.25 billion for our injured clients.
Motorcycle Accident Tips and Tools: What should I do if I’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maine?
Taking some basic steps after a motorcycle accident can make the difference between a legal claim that fails and one that provides fair compensation for you and your family. Here are some suggestions for first steps.
- First, be sure all parties involved are safe and out of danger. Then move your motorcycle if it is causing a hazard; otherwise, leave it where it is.
- Call 911 to immediately report the accident to the police, even if you think the damage is minor. Stay close to your motorcycle until police arrive.
- Remain calm and polite, but do not apologize or admit fault.
- Gather pertinent information from other driver and any witnesses.
- Photograph motorcycle damage and any visible injuries. Write down your recollections about the event.
- Get the name and badge number of all responding officers, and ask for the police report.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if you think they are minor.
- Contact an experienced personal injury trial lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases and one who is prepared to win either by settlement or, if necessary, court judgment.
- Report the accident to your insurer. Do not give a signed or recorded statement to your insurer before talking with your lawyer.
- Do not discuss the accident with any representative of the other driver’s insurance company before talking with your lawyer.
A Law Firm That Listens
We have helped countless victims who have been harmed in motorcycle accidents and we understand the challenges you face. We realize that beyond the physical struggles, the emotional and financial impacts can be overwhelming.
Our lawyers and staff members take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved.
Case Story - Motorcycle Accident
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
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The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
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Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
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You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
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You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
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Should I hire a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
We always recommend hiring a personal injury firm to help you with your motorcycle accident case. While you can technically file a claim on your own, a competent attorney can make all the difference throughout the legal process. Firms like ours do not take a fee unless your case succeeds, and we typically earn our clients far greater recoveries than unrepresented plaintiffs. We take the bulk of the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case. We recommend bringing any medical records you have to your appointment, along with notes, so you don’t forget to mention important details like:
- A timeline of events;
- Names of facilities and physicians that provided treatments;
- Relevant symptoms and diagnoses;
- Dates of missed work;
- Details of other losses you may have suffered.
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What is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles?
According to national accident statistics, approximately 42 percent of collisions between cars and motorcycles occur when cars make left-hand turns. These types of accidents are also extremely common between two cars, but a motorcycle’s smaller size makes them even more likely and dangerous.
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What is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents?
There are several causes of motorcycle accidents. Distracted driving is a chief factor, as many people ride with cell phones or other GPS devices. Other causes include intoxicated riding, reckless riding, untrained driving, and speeding.
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How common are motorcycle accidents?
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are quite common and tend to be deadly when they occur. Statistics show that motorcycle occupants are nearly 29 times more likely than car passengers to sustain fatal injuries.
Even when motorcyclists survive, their injuries can be catastrophic. Extensive medical visits, surgeries, permanent disabilities, and loss of ability to work are common.
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When should I file a motorcycle accident claim?
We recommend filing a motorcycle accident claim as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in Maine is six years, giving you a substantial amount of time to file a lawsuit. However, motorcycle accident claims can take a long time to resolve, particularly if the case goes to trial.
Many injured victims are forced to take time off from work to manage their injuries, and they are often forced to pay for many medical and other recovery-related expenses. The sooner your case starts, the sooner you can recover the compensation to manage those financial setbacks.
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How much is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?
It depends. Many factors influence the amount you’re entitled to recover, including the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Specific factors that courts consider include:
- The impact of the injury on your life and livelihood;
- The amount of medical bills;
- The length of treatment required to repair your injuries;
- Invasiveness of treatment, including whether the injury required surgery;
- How the injury impacts your life expectancy;
- Whether you were at fault for the accident.
It is important to understand that your recovery amount may be reduced depending on the degree of fault attributed to you. In Maine, you can only recover damages if you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your damages. This means that if you are found to be 40 percent at fault and are awarded, as an example, $100,000 in damages, your recovery will be $60,000.