Burlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Burlington?

A motorcycle accident, even occurring at slow speeds, often leads to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. The rider is virtually unprotected, and when hit by a vehicle, is thrown off the bike onto the roadway. A helmet or leather gear provides some degree of protection, but rarely enough to avoid serious injuries, or worse. When the accident was caused by the negligent driving conduct of another driver, you have the right to seek compensation for all damages.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Burlington, VT

The at-fault party must be held accountable after a motorcycle accident. Vehicle operators may fail to drive safely, and a rider pays the price for negligent driving conduct. Some of the most common driver behavior that can result in a serious or fatal motorcycle accident include:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Drug-intoxicated driving
• Aggressive driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield to a rider when making a left-hand turn
• Failing to notice a rider stopped at a light or stop sign

Why You Need an Attorney

The facts surrounding a motorcycle accident must be fully reviewed and evaluated, along with the extent of the injuries to the motorcyclist, and the medical care and treatment that must be administered to attempt to restore the injured person as much as possible. The injuries sustained are often very serious or catastrophic, and may require months, years, or a lifetime of medical care. With the help of an attorney from Horn Wright, LLP, every detail of the injury claim will be evaluated, and a claim or lawsuit filed to pursue the maximum possible compensation.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained by a motorcyclist are often life-threatening, or fatal. The types of injuries often suffered by a motorcyclist who has the bad luck of sharing the roadways with a negligent driver include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Joint injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Fatal injuries

Who is Liable?

To successfully recover full compensation, several facts must be established. All personal injury claims hinge on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence is defined as a failure to act with the level of care that another reasonable person would have used when in the same situation. The elements that must be established in a motorcycle accident case are:

• Duty of care: It must be proven that the driver had the duty of care, or the responsibility to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not endanger others.
• Breach of duty: It must be established that the driver “breached,” or violated the duty of care owed to others sharing the road by operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.
• Causation: It must be established that the actions of the driver was the proximate cause of the injuries sustained by the rider.
• Damages: Damages refers to the harm suffered by the motorcyclist. These include general damages, such as pain and suffering, and compensatory damages, including medical costs and lost income from work, among others.

Why Choose Horn Wright, LLP?

After a motorcycle accident, considering the legal issues surrounding the case may not be top of mind. Under Vermont law, you have three years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit. Over time, critical evidence can be lost. The earlier you engage an attorney, the better. Your attorney from Horn Wright, LLP takes on motorcycle accident cases in the Burlington area and devotes all the time and firm resources to craft a well-documented claim or lawsuit. The firm is client-focused, dedicated, and is among the most respected law firms in the region.

Contact Horn Wright, LLP today at (802) 328-9098 for a free initial consultation. No fees unless we win.