According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2016, 5,286 people died in motorcycle accidents, and these numbers don’t begin to account for the many more people injured each year in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users. In fact, they are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle riders. If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you might have many questions about your rights and the next steps you can take. If another person’s negligence or neglect behind the wheel resulted in your crash, you may have the right to seek damages for your lost wages, medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and other damages. What are some causes of motorcycle accidents, and what can you do if you’ve been hurt in one of these kinds of accidents? Rensch & Rensch Law are motorcycle accident attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska who may be able to assist you with your claim. Here are some types of motorcycle accidents where another driver may be at fault:

• Left Hand Turn Accidents. Motorcyclists are at great risk when drivers make left hand turns. When drivers are making left hand turns, they may be looking out for cars, but may not be watching for riders, which can result in dangerous and deadly collisions.
• Alcohol Use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of riders who were killed in single-vehicle motorcycle accidents were under the influence of alcohol before their accident. Riders can improve their safety dramatically by not drinking and driving. However, passenger vehicle drivers can also pose a risk to motorcyclists when they drink and drive. If you were hurt by a drunk driver while riding your motorcycle, you may have rights under the law. Rensch & Rensch Law are motorcycle accident attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska who may be able to assist you with your claim.
• Distracted Driving. Texting and driving is dangerous enough, but if a driver is looking down at his or her phone and isn’t paying attention to the road, motorcycle riders are especially at risk. Why? Riders have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles and are therefore more difficult to see. They also are more vulnerable in the event of a rear-end collision because riders don’t have the protective chassis of a car. If you were rear-ended on your motorcycle you may have the right to seek damages from the driver who rear-ended you. Reach out to Rensch & Rensch Law, motorcycle accident lawyers in Omaha, Nebraska today to learn more.
• Road Debris. When construction sites fail to keep roads free of debris, or when truck companies fail to secure their loads, debris on the road can pose a serious danger to riders. Even a small object on the road can destabilize a motorcycle, resulting in an accident. If road debris resulted in your motorcycle accident, you may have the right to seek damages from the party or parties responsible for the road debris. Rensch & Rensch Law are motorcycle accident lawyers who may be able to help you.
• Defective Motorcycles. If your motorcycle wasn’t properly repaired or if it has a defect, this can lead to an accident. A blown tire or failed brake system can have serious consequences for a rider. Motorcycles are less stable than passenger vehicles, meaning that any issue with a tire or the brakes can potentially lead to a loss of control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN recall lookup tool is a great place to start to determine whether your motorcycle was recalled.

These are just some motorcycle accident types where another person or party may be at fault. Other accident risks include motorcycle lane splitting (when a rider drives between two lanes of traffic, particularly when traffic is stopped or significantly slowed down), collisions between riders and fixed objects, and injuries resulting from poor weather conditions.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Omaha, Nebraska?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Omaha, Nebraska due to the negligence or neglect of another person or party, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. You may be entitled to seek damages from both drivers responsible for your accident and insurance companies. There is a myth in the popular imagination that motorcycle riders are risk-takers and daredevils. The truth is that many riders take the time to improve their skills and are quite safe road users. When passenger vehicle drivers make mistakes, riders can suffer serious and life-altering injuries. Have questions about your rights? Contact Rensch & Rensch Law, motorcycle accident lawyers in Omaha, Nebraska today. Or, reach out to USAttorneys.com to get connected. We can provide you with a free initial consultation, during which we can honestly review your case, estimate the value of your claim, and assist you with the next steps.