Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Manchester, New Hampshire

Motorcycle riders involved in a crash caused by another driver may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In order to collect, an injured motorcyclist must prove the other driver neglected to obey the rules of the road. While car accident claims and motorcycle accident claims share many similarities, there is one notable difference: motorcyclists are more likely to be accused of contributing to the cause of the accident due to a widespread belief that motorcycles are inherently dangerous.

John B. Kenison, Jr. understands the unfair bias injured motorcyclists face. As a motorcycle accident lawyer in Manchester, New Hampshire, he takes on big insurance companies and their defense attorneys so his clients can get the justice they deserve. Attorney Kenison is dedicated to protecting his client’s rights and has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for their claims. When you partner with him, you can rest assured that your case is in the caring hands of a seasoned legal professional.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Manchester

Ironically, people are quick to accuse motorcycle riders of being unsafe. In the vast majority of collisions between automobiles and motorcycles, automobile drivers are to blame. These drivers will often say they “did not see the motorcycle.” While visibility is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, there are several safety risks that bikers have to contend with. The following are a few factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Manchester:

Motorcycles Are Smaller than Cars

While this basic fact is unlikely to change, motorcyclists and advocacy organizations are doing their best to address the issue. In order to increase visibility, bikers may ride in groups or install loud tailpipes. Biker advocacy groups also aim to educate the public on safety issues and tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists.

Cars Have Blindspots

Because of their size, motorcycles are more susceptible to entering a car’s blindspot. Consider an automobile’s A-pillar. This portion of the frame runs vertically between the windshield and front window. At an intersection, an automobile’s A-pillar (and side-view mirror) can completely obscure a motorcycle approaching on the cross street. 

Texting While Driving, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and Distracted Driving

Anything that averts an automobile driver’s eyes or slows down the driver’s reaction time will increase the risk of an accident. Texting, helping children in the backseat, drunk driving, and drowsy driving are all risky behaviors that could lead to a collision. This is especially true when dealing with motorcycles since visibility is already an issue.

Motorcycles Are Less Common Than Automobiles

Drivers have a greater awareness of the types of vehicles they see the most. If motorcycles and scooters outnumbered cars, as they do on city streets in some parts of the world, drivers would be much more alert to their presence. In New Hampshire, however, automobiles are the norm. This means that drivers are not only less aware of motorcyclists but also have less experience sharing the road with them safely.

Driver Training Courses Do Not Sufficiently Emphasize Motorcycle Awareness 

New drivers are responsible for causing more than their fair share of traffic accidents. Licensing tests and driver education programs may fail to adequately address motorcycle safety, leaving new drivers with a dangerous gap in their knowledge and skills. 

Product Liability

In some cases, product liability may cause or contribute to your accident. If your motorcycle has a manufacturer defect that led to an accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from the company that made the bike. Attorney Kenison is an experienced product liability lawyer who can make this determination.

There Is No Such Thing as A “Fender Bender” when It Comes to Motorcycle Accidents

In a typical rear-end collision between automobiles, the driver in front receives some protection from the rear chassis of the driver’s car. In fact, the entire back half of the car acts as a buffer between the point of impact and the driver’s body. This “crumple zone” does not exist for a motorcycle rider. Lacerations and brutal injuries like broken bones are far more common in motorcycle accidents as a result. Traumatic brain injuries are also a significant concern, even if the rider wears a helmet. Other severe injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Burns

• Broken bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Road rash

• Internal bleeding 

• Organ damage

• Joint damage

• Neck and back injuries

• Emotional distress

• Death

Following a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries that may not seem severe immediately following an accident could worsen over time without proper care. Additionally, insurance companies may see your failure to seek prompt care as a way to deny or devalue your claim. 

Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Following a motorcycle accident, you may wonder what your options are if you were partially at fault for the accident. Attorney Kenison has successfully represented injury victims whose own conduct contributed to the accident. As long as the combined negligence of the other parties makes them mostly (51% or more) to blame for what happened, the victim can still recover damages. It is also essential to keep in mind that an expertly conducted investigation by the Kenison Law Office PLLC may reveal that you were not to blame, despite the conclusions of a police officer or insurance adjuster.

Damages You May Be Eligible to Collect Through a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Manchester, New Hampshire

If you were a victim of a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be able to collect damages for the losses you have suffered. The cost of long-term hospital stays and other treatments can be astronomical and financially debilitating. However, you should not be forced to foot the bill if you were not at fault. Some damages you may be entitled to include:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost wages and earning potential

• Property damages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Significant disfigurement or disability

• Amputation or loss of limb

• Eye injuries

• Facial or dental injuries

• Wrongful death

• Final expenses

These are only a few examples of the damages you may be eligible to collect. Following a motorcycle accident, it is critical to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney like Mr. Kenison will work tirelessly to get to know you and every detail of your case. Your lawyer will collect vital evidence and advocate for your rights on your behalf to help ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover the full extent of your losses. 

The Manchester Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Kenison Law Office PLLC Fight for Injured Bikers

Motorcyclists have the same right to the road as everyone else. If you were recently injured, you might not be in a position to fight back against an unreasonable insurance company. The skilled motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to stand up for your rights. Attorney John B. Kenison Jr. has dedicated his career to helping ensure that accident victims receive the compensation they need to heal and recover from their injuries. To learn more about how Attorney Kenison can help you, call us today or complete our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.