EspañolWhile riding a motorcycle can be fun and a cheaper way to get around Roswell and New Mexico, it is also dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a collision than occupants of a passenger motor vehicle.
Those who survive the crash are often left with life-long injuries that cause chronic pain and limitations in their ability to work and enjoy their lives. If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering under New Mexico law.
Contact Our Roswell Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If You Or A Loved One Has Been Injured In Roswell Or Throughout New Mexico—We Offer Free Consultations To Help You Understand Your Options, Call (575) 300-4000 Today.
Five Common Injuries Caused in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders only have their clothes and a helmet to protect them from the impact of being struck by much bigger and heavier motor vehicle or truck. Because of this, their injuries are much more likely to be catastrophic or fatal. Common injuries in these collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injury. A motorcyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) even if they are wearing a helmet. TBIs can cause permanent brain damage and can affect a victim’s mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities, such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving.
- Spinal cord injuries. If a rider’s spinal cord is injured in the accident, they could suffer partial or complete paralysis. They could require round-the-clock assistance with their daily needs, suffer many other complications associated with paralysis, and become permanently disabled.
- Fractures. Victims of a motorcycle accident can suffer serious fractures. Leg fractures are some of the most common injuries in these collisions.
- Internal injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be caused by blunt force trauma or an object penetrating the motorcyclist’s body. These injuries often require immediate medical treatment and can be life-threatening.
- Road rash. Road rash is a common injury caused when a motorcycle rider’s skin comes in contact with the road surface. This injury can range from mild to serious, where the outer layers of the skin are removed, and can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Mexico
Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons, but in our experience representing injured riders across southeast New Mexico, most crashes come down to a few common problems. Unfortunately, many motorcycle wrecks are caused by drivers who simply fail to see or properly account for motorcycles on the road.
Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks, riders often end up paying the price when other drivers make careless decisions.
Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents we see in Roswell and throughout southeast New Mexico.
Drivers Failing to See Motorcycles
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is simply that drivers fail to notice motorcycles at all. Drivers may look directly toward a motorcycle but still misjudge its speed or distance.
This often happens when a driver is:
- changing lanes
- merging onto a highway
- pulling out from a side street or driveway
Because motorcycles have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles, drivers sometimes underestimate how quickly a motorcycle is approaching.
Unfortunately, when a driver turns or pulls out in front of a motorcycle, the rider has very little time or space to avoid the crash.
Our motorcycle accident attorney has represented many injured motorcycle drivers throughout New Mexico and there is a consistent theme; the other driver simply didn’t see them. And what would be a minor bump in for a car can lead to catastrophic injuries for the motorcycle driver.
For example, one of our clients was driving his beautiful custom orange Harley Davidson motorcycle (pictured) when another driver pulled in front of him. Though the damage wasn’t catastrophic to his bike, he suffered severe and permanent injuries. This is just one example of how outcomes tend to be much more extreme in motorcycle collisions.
Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn accidents are another leading cause of motorcycle crashes. These accidents often happen when a driver turns left across traffic and misjudges the distance of an oncoming motorcycle.
The driver may think there is enough time to complete the turn, but motorcycles can approach more quickly than they appear.
These crashes can be particularly dangerous because they often result in the motorcycle striking the side of the turning vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a major problem across the country, and New Mexico is no exception.
Drivers who are texting, using their phones, adjusting navigation systems, or simply not paying attention to the road are far less likely to notice motorcycles around them.
Because motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook, distracted drivers create a serious danger for riders.
Even a few seconds of distraction can be enough for a driver to drift into another lane or miss a motorcycle approaching an intersection.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment continue to play a role in many serious crashes in New Mexico.
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced judgment, and difficulty maintaining proper lane position. These problems become even more dangerous when motorcycles are involved because riders have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles.
When an impaired driver causes a motorcycle crash, the injuries are often severe.
Heavy Oilfield Truck Traffic in Southeast New Mexico
One factor that makes motorcycle riding more dangerous in parts of southeast New Mexico is the heavy presence of oilfield and 18-wheeler traffic.
Areas around Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad, and Hobbs often see large commercial trucks transporting equipment, water, sand, and other materials related to oilfield operations.
These trucks can create additional hazards for motorcyclists, including:
- limited visibility
- wide turns
- debris on the roadway
- drivers who may be fatigued after long shifts
Motorcycle accidents involving large trucks are especially dangerous because of the size and weight difference between the vehicles.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Motorcycles are much more sensitive to road conditions than cars or trucks. Hazards that may seem minor to a driver can become extremely dangerous for a motorcyclist.
Some examples include:
- loose gravel or sand
- potholes
- uneven pavement
- oil or fluid spills
- construction zones
Road conditions can be particularly challenging on highways and rural roads throughout southeast New Mexico.
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Are Different from Car Accidents
Motorcycle accident cases are often very different from typical car accident cases. While both involve negligence and insurance claims, motorcycle crashes tend to present unique challenges that can affect how the case is investigated, valued, and ultimately resolved.
One of the biggest differences is the severity of the injuries involved. Motorcyclists have far less protection than drivers and passengers inside a car or truck. Even with a helmet and protective gear, riders are often exposed to direct impact with other vehicles or the roadway.
As a result, motorcycle accidents frequently lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries. Rarely, if ever, has our motorcycle accident attorney been contacted to represent an injured motorcycle driver in New Mexico that doesn’t involve broken bones.
Another challenge is the bias that motorcyclists sometimes face from insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to suggest that the rider was speeding, weaving through traffic, or taking unnecessary risks. In reality, many motorcycle crashes happen because drivers fail to see the rider or misjudge the motorcycle’s speed and distance.
But it is not just from insurance companies. Police officers often find themselves in difficult situations in investigations. For example, our motorcycle accident lawyer represented a motorcycle rider injured when he was hit by another driver at a four-way stop. The other driver said it was her turn to go at the stop sign because she never saw the motorcycle. Since she never saw him, she didn’t realize he had the right of way since he arrived first. The officer, however, placed fault on the motorcycle driver because it turned into a he said, she said scenario and he took the word of the other driver. This is just one example of how motorcycle drivers frequently find themselves overcoming obstacles that other drivers don’t deal with.
Motorcycle accidents can also involve more complex accident investigations. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may need to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and the crash scene to determine exactly how the collision occurred. For example, in one case our motorcycle accident attorney represented a family in Roswell whose loved one riding a motorcycle was killed as a result of negligence of another driver. At the accident scene, law enforcement brought out a special team to investigate and included use of drones and other advanced equipment.
Because the injuries tend to be more severe and the disputes about fault can be more complicated, motorcycle accident claims often involve larger medical expenses, longer recovery periods, and greater financial losses.
In some situations, the damage is only minor, but there are many circumstances in which the motorcycle is destroyed as in this situation where our client’s motorcycle was left in pieces and almost unrecognizable (pictured).
For these reasons, motorcycle accident cases often require careful investigation and a clear presentation of the evidence showing what happened and who was responsible.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?
When someone is injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the law allows the injured rider to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered.
Every case is different, but motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to recover compensation for several types of damages.
Medical Expenses. Medical treatment after a motorcycle accident can be extensive. Victims may require emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, or long-term treatment for serious injuries. Compensation can include both past medical bills and the cost of future medical care that may be necessary because of the accident.
Lost Income. Many motorcycle accident victims are unable to return to work immediately after a crash. Some may be out of work for weeks or months while they recover. A claim can include compensation for lost wages and income that the victim was unable to earn while recovering.
Loss of Earning Capacity. In more serious cases, injuries may permanently affect a person’s ability to work or pursue their chosen career. When this happens, the injured rider may be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering. Motorcycle accidents often involve significant physical pain and emotional distress. The law allows accident victims to seek compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional suffering caused by their injuries.
Permanent Injuries or Disability. Some motorcycle crashes lead to permanent injuries, including scarring, chronic pain, or long-term disabilities. These types of injuries can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Compensation may be available to account for the long-term impact of these injuries.
Wrongful Death Damages. Tragically, motorcycle accidents sometimes result in fatal injuries. When this happens, certain surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for their losses. Our Roswell motorcycle accident lawyers have represented families through this process in New Mexico, and they are difficult legally and emotionally for families.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term injuries—and in some cases, assist families with wrongful death claims after a fatal crash.
Talk To A Roswell Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver’s negligence, it may not be easy to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Gathering the evidence you need to prove your right to compensation for your injuries in a motorcycle crash is essential to building a strong case. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to explain your rights under New Mexico law and to fight with the insurance company so that you receive all that you are entitled to in your settlement. Start a live chat to schedule your free consultation today.
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