Motorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries to a biker. Sadly, in many cases, motorcycle riders are blamed for accidents that are not their fault, and may have difficulty getting fair compensation for their injuries.

If you were hurt while operating or riding on one of these vehicles, speak with our Lebanon motorcycle accident lawyer right away. At Rousseau & Ross, our committed personal injury attorneys can help hold the negligent parties accountable and pursue reasonable compensation for your injuries.

Driver Negligence Often Causes Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcyclists have an unfair reputation as risk-takers, which can work against you if you are in a crash with a car or truck. The at-fault party’s insurance company may try to argue that you assumed the risk of serious injury by riding a motorcycle, or assert that you were operating your machine recklessly when the accident occurred.

In fact, motorcyclists are not at fault in many collisions involving other motor vehicles. Drivers of enclosed vehicles often do not notice motorcycles even when they are in the driver’s line of sight, and may cause accidents due to inattention, speeding, driving while impaired, and many other reasons.

Our Lebanon attorneys will review the circumstances of a motorcycle crash to find proper evidence of negligence against all other parties. These could include the manufacturers of the involved vehicles, trucking company employers, and even the municipal government in charge of keeping the roads safe.

Does Helmet Use Impact Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 265:122 requires riders and passengers under 18 to wear approved helmets on a motorcycle, but does not require the same of adults. If you suffer a head injury in a crash and you were not wearing a helmet, that fact can complicate your efforts to obtain fair compensation.

New Hampshire follows the modified comparative negligence rule to assess liability in accident cases. If you are partially responsible for an accident, you can collect damages from other responsible parties only if they hold more fault for your injury than you do. Any damages you collect are reduced to reflect your degree of fault.

If your primary claim is for injuries to your lower body or torso, your helmet use is not relevant. However, if you were not wearing a helmet and are making a claim for facial or head injuries, the defendants may claim that you could have prevented the injury if you had worn a helmet. An experienced Lebanon attorney can keep the focus on the defendant’s negligence and work to limit your liability for your motorcycle accident injuries.

Bringing a Compensation Claim

When there is evidence that another party’s failure to use reasonable care contributed to your injuries, you may have a legal claim against them. They could be liable for all the tangible and intangible losses you suffered due to your injuries.

Motorcyclists often suffer significant, permanent injuries in crashes. The liable parties could be responsible for paying your medical and incidental expenses, which could include prosthesis, mobility aids, home renovations to make it wheelchair accessible, and an adapted vehicle. They must also pay damages for your reduced future earning power, and your pain and suffering.

Most motorcycle injury cases resolve with a settlement. However, when negotiations break down or a party denies responsibility, our Lebanon attorneys are always willing to present your motorcycle accident case to a jury in court.

Consult a Lebanon Attorney About Pursuing Damages for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Managing a motorcycle accident claim is challenging, and you should focus your energy on getting better. Fortunately, you can rely on the Lebanon motorcycle accident lawyers at Rousseau & Ross to provide legal support and advocacy tailored to your specific situation. Contact our firm today to get started with a free consultation.