Motorcycle accidents in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska often result in devastating consequences for riders. With less protection than passenger vehicles, motorcyclists face a disproportionately high risk of serious injury and fatality when collisions occur. Despite motorcycles making up only 3% of vehicles on the road, motorcyclists made up 15.5% of all traffic fatalities in 2023.
At Friedman Law Offices, we’ve dedicated ourselves to protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims since 1962. Our team understands the unique dynamics of these collisions and their life-altering impacts, and we stand ready to help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Lincoln
Understanding the factors contributing to motorcycle accidents is important for prevention and establishing liability in injury claims. In Lincoln and throughout Nebraska, we regularly see accidents caused by:
- Driver Negligence and Failure to See Motorcyclists: Due to their smaller profile, motorcycles often fall into drivers’ blind spots or are overlooked in traffic.
- Distracted Driving Incidents: When drivers take their eyes off the road to check messages, adjust GPS settings, or engage with passengers, motorcyclists often pay the price.
- Dangerous Road Conditions and Infrastructure Issues: Potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, and poor road design pose greater risks to motorcyclists than drivers.
- Weather-Related Hazards in Nebraska: Whether it’s thunderstorms, fallen leaves, or winter snow and ice, the seasons present various weather-related challenges.
- Impaired Driving Collisions: Drivers and riders under the influence of drugs or alcohol have diminished reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced awareness—a deadly combination when motorcycles are involved.
- Mechanical Failures and Defective Parts: Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can lead to sudden loss of control, leading to cases where manufacturers or maintenance providers may share liability for resulting injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The physical impact of motorcycle accidents tends to be severe or catastrophic, often resulting in:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory issues, and long-term disability requiring extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage: When riders slide across pavement, the resulting abrasions can expose muscle and bone, requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
- Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries: Multiple fractures are common in motorcycle accidents and may require surgical intervention with plates, screws, and extensive physical therapy.
- Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma common in motorcycle collisions can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and life-threatening complications that require emergency surgery.
- Psychological Effects: Beyond physical trauma, many accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear of riding again.
Recovery from these injuries might involve extensive hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health support. The physical and emotional toll extends to families, as they often become caregivers while also managing injury-related financial pressure.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Nebraska law allows injured motorcyclists to seek compensation for numerous damages:
- Medical expenses (immediate and long-term)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
When accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, lost companionship, and pain and suffering.
Nebraska Comparative Negligence Laws
Nebraska follows a “modified comparative negligence” standard that directly impacts motorcycle accident claims. If you’re found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If your responsibility is 49% or less, you can recover damages, but they’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you’re found to be 30% at fault, your maximum recovery would be $70,000.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to exploit unfair biases against motorcyclists, suggesting riders were speeding or driving recklessly, even without evidence. Our attorneys counter these tactics by thoroughly investigating accidents, securing expert testimony, and presenting compelling evidence of the other party’s negligence.
Prompt investigation is crucial when you might be accused of partial fault. Securing photos and videos, witness statements, physical evidence, and testimony from accident reconstruction experts can mean the difference between a successful claim and one that’s denied.
The Insurance Claims Process
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident involves dealing with insurance companies who may not have your best interests at heart. After a motorcycle accident, insurers often:
- Make quick, lowball settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known
- Request unnecessary documentation to delay processing
- Question the severity of injuries or necessity of treatments
- Suggest motorcyclists are inherently reckless
- Use recorded statements to extract damaging admissions
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field by:
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Ensuring proper valuation of current and future damages
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence
- Recognizing and countering common delay tactics
- Negotiating aggressively and proceeding to litigation in court if necessary
While every case is unique, most motorcycle accident claims tend to settle in months. If litigation is necessary, a case may require over a year to resolve. However, our goal is always to secure fair compensation as efficiently as possible while ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Why Choose Friedman Law Offices
When your future depends on the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim, experience matters. Our attorneys understand the unique dynamics of motorcycle accidents, from physics and visibility factors to bias issues. We work with engineering and medical experts to build compelling cases that establish clear liability and document the full extent of damages.
While most cases settle, insurance companies know which law firms are willing to take cases to trial when necessary. Our courtroom experience and track record of trial success give us leverage in negotiations.
In addition, we provide compassionate, personalized attention to each client. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who remain accessible throughout your case.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lincoln or elsewhere in Nebraska, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact Friedman Law Offices today to discuss your case and explore your options.