Rutland, VT Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Rutland, VT Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When the weather allows it, Rutland is a great place to ride a motorcycle. But even when riding conditions are ideal–a clear sky, plenty of sun, and mild temperatures–riding a motorcycle is a high-risk activity. In fact, while motorcycle accidents are less common than car accidents based on the sheer number of cars vs. motorcycles on the road, suffering serious or fatal injuries as a result of an accident is much more common if the operator is on a motorcycle.

Tristan Larson is a motorcycle rider himself. He rides a 1982 Honda CX-500 Custom, known to him affectionately as “the plastic maggot” for being the ugliest motorcycle ever built. But it is a workhorse and the transverse twin-engine and direct shaft drive makes it an interesting and futuristic motorcycle – for the early ‘80s.

Tristan’s favorite road is the Danby Mountain Road from the Danby Four Corners (which we all know is actually three corners) to Danby and Route 7 back to Rutland. The twists and turns of this stretch over the mountains, along with the good asphalt, make for a splendid drive. But Tristan is also well aware of the dangers of riding with careless automobile drivers out there on the roads, too. He knows how invisible you can be on two wheels, and has had some close calls himself. Probably because of this, he loves representing motorcycle riders and has an advantage in understanding the thrills and dangers of the sport.

Ready To Fight For You

He has represented a number of motorcycle riders with massive injuries in Vermont caused by the reckless or careless driving of the people on four wheels. He’d love to talk with you about your claim and would be honored to represent you in your motorcycle injury claim.

At the office of Larson & Gallivan Law, our Rutland, VT motorcycle accident attorney understands how devastating a motorcycle accident can be, and wants to provide support and guidance in the event that you’ve been injured in a crash. To learn more about your rights and how our Rutland, VT motorcycle accident attorney can support you, please call us directly or send our lawyer a message.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Devastating

Motorcycle accidents can be absolutely devastating, leaving those involved with serious–and sometimes fatal–injuries. Motorcycle accidents are so tragic for a number of reasons, including the fact that motorcyclists are not protected by anything that can absorb the force of the accident–they only have their own bodies. In some cases, motorcyclists may not even be helmeted, putting them at an increased risk of traumatic brain injury.

Motorcycle accidents also often happen at high speeds, which increases the amount of force involved in a crash and exacerbates the degree of damages that results.

When a motorcycle crash occurs, a motorcyclist or rider may sustain:

• Traumatic brain injury as a result of the head being hit with blunt force or penetrated by an object. Traumatic brain injuries can have permanent consequences.
• Spinal cord injury if the spinal cord is disrupted as a result of force. Spinal cord injuries are especially tragic, and can leave the affected person paralyzed or partially paralyzed for life.
• Internal injuries including punctured organs and internal bleeding that may lead to various complications, including severe blood loss, organ failure, and death.
• Bone fracture injuries that result when bones are crushed or forced into awkward positions. While some bone fracture injuries will heal quickly, others may require painful surgeries and rehabilitation and, in some cases, the affected person may never regain full mobility.
• Soft tissue injuries such as sprained and strained ligaments and tendons.
• Road rash injuries that may be extremely severe, leading to infection and disfigurement.

How Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Motorcycle accidents, like other motor vehicle accident types, are the result of negligence–they do not just “happen.” Examples of driver negligence that can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash include:

• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes;
• Speeding;
• Drunk driving;
• Fatigued driving;
• Distracted driving;
• Following too closely;
• Illegal lane changes;
• Failing to signal;
• Improper lane merging; and
• Driving aggressively.

Motorcycle accidents can also happen as the result of the motorcyclist’s negligence, or due to other conditions, such as road defects or signage errors.

Damages from a Motorcycle Crash

When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash and is severely injured, they may accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in various financial losses, including medical expenses, property damage costs, lost wages, lost earnings and benefits, and more. In addition to economic losses, though, a motorcyclist may also suffer noneconomic losses, such as the value of their pain, suffering, and emotional distress. At the office of Larson & Gallivan Law, our Rutland, VT motorcycle accident attorney believes that you deserve to be compensated for the full value of your losses, both economic and noneconomic.

Who Pays for a Motorcycle Crash?

If you’ve suffered large financial losses as a result of your crash–and expect to suffer even greater losses in the future for reasons stemming from your accident and injuries–you are surely concerned with who will pay for your losses.

In most cases, the liability insurance company of the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying for your damages. You will need to prove that the driver was responsible for the crash, and that your injuries wouldn’t have occurred but for the driver’s negligence. If you are offered a settlement, you do not have to accept it–in fact, in most cases, you shouldn’t accept it immediately. Instead, you should have the settlement reviewed by an attorney who can provide you with more information about whether the settlement fairly compensates you for your losses and, if not, how to negotiate your settlement and recover an award that is more appropriate.

What If My Case Doesn’t Settle?

In some cases, reaching a settlement with an insurance company proves impossible–fault or the degree of injuries is disputed. If you are unable to reach a settlement, you can file a lawsuit and bring your case to court. If you file a lawsuit, you will need to be able to establish the four elements of a personal injury claim for the court, and you must also make sure that your case is filed within the state’s statute of limitations.

In most cases, claims can be settled out of court. Going to court is a costly endeavor and one that can be time-consuming and emotional. Our lawyers will work hard to get you the settlement that you deserve, turning to litigation only as a last resort.