When a motorcycle accident causes the amputation of a rider’s leg, it is a stern reminder that injuries sustained in motorcycle-involved accidents are often very serious. A review of motorcycle accident statistics that shows a relatively small number of fatalities can lead us to underestimate the real cost of a motorcycle crash. Due to the
rider’s lack of protection, some of the injuries sustained are so severe that they change the lives of motorcyclists in tragic ways.
A few years ago, one such accident occurred. The motorcyclist was traveling at the posted speed of 55 mph. A woman driving another vehicle tried to turn left into her driveway and crashed into the motorcycle. The motorcyclist sustained multiple injuries and was transported to the closest hospital, where he was stabilized and then airlifted to the University of Virginia Hospital.
The most significant injury sustained by the motorcyclist was a crushed left foot. After efforts to restore blood flow to the foot failed, the decision was made to amputate the leg below the knee. He was later fitted with a prosthesis and made improvements during physical therapy.
Despite this improvement, however, he remained unable to return to work in stucco repair. As a result, his earning capacity was significantly diminished.
This motorcycle accident personal injury case was settled out of court for $1,300,000. The majority of the settlement amount was placed in a structured fund to provide the motorcyclist with a regular monthly income.
During the last 12 months (June 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018) 3,241 people were involved in motorcycle-involved accidents that occurred on Virginia roadways. Of those, 1,993 people sustained injuries. Another 99 people died in these accidents.
All drivers need to be particularly alert to the presence of motorcycles near us. Motorcycles are more difficult to see in some conditions. But this does not mitigate the need for every driver to look for other traffic – especially motorcycles — when changing lanes, turning, or making sudden stops. Every driver bears responsibility for safety on our roadways.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle-involved accident, or any vehicle accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to recover a financial award to compensate you for damages you sustained. Call Altizer Law, P.C., to discuss your accident. Bettina Altizer will talk with you to make a preliminary assessment of liability or negligence and the merits of taking legal action. If you hire us, our entire team of experienced experts will go to work on your behalf, to ensure that you obtain the maximum appropriate financial award for your hurts and harms.
