What You Should Know about Motorcycle Rollover Accidents
Every motorcycle rider understands they are more vulnerable to collisions than drivers and passengers. The lack of vehicle protection means a motorcycle accident is more likely to result in serious injuries.
More specifically, a motorcycle rollover accident can be hazardous for the rider. This type of crash involves the bike rotating vertically or horizontally at least 180 degrees. Here is what you need to know about motorcycle rollover accidents if you own a bike.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Rollovers
Understanding how a motorcycle rollover accident occurs is the best way to avoid one. Sometimes, these crashes result from someone else’s negligence, which could lead to viable injury claims. However, some causes come down to bad luck or the motorcyclist’s actions.
Collisions with Other Vehicles
Motorcycle rollover accidents are often caused by collisions with a larger motor vehicle. A head-on collision occurs when the two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. A side-impact crash is when the other motor vehicle hits the side of the motorcycle, either straight on or at an angle, causing the bike to flip or roll.
Rear-end collisions, even at lower speeds, can propel a motorcycle forward and cause it to lose stability, leading to a rollover accident.
Single-Vehicle Rollovers
Your motorcycle rollover accident may not involve another larger vehicle at all. Perhaps you are speeding and lose control of the bike. You may encounter road hazards such as potholes, debris, or uneven payment, and as a result, the motorcycle rolls. If you brake too abruptly or attempt to swerve, the motorcycle may overturn and cause serious injuries.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures also can cause motorcycle flips or rolls. For example, a motorcycle crash could ensue if your tire blows out unexpectedly. Similarly, if the brake malfunctions or there are defective parts because of motorcycle manufacturer errors, these issues could also cause an accident.
Types of Rollover Accidents
Accident victims face different injuries, often based on how the crash played out. Here are a few types of motorcycle rollover accidents that could happen.
Highside Rollovers
A high-side motorcycle accident occurs when the rider is thrown over the handlebars. It is often caused by the rear wheel losing traction on the road and abruptly regaining it after sliding. Another reason could be excessive throttle.
Lowside Rollovers
Low-side motorcycle accidents occur when the bike slides out from under the rider. This rollover is usually caused by the front wheel losing traction on the road surface or the rider applying the brakes too heavily on turns.
Trip-Overs
If the front wheel of your motorcycle gets caught on an object, it can flip over. This is called a trip-over. Trip-overs are typically the result of hitting objects like curbs, potholes, and road debris.
Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Rollovers
The resulting injuries from a motorcycle rollover accident can be devastating. Even in minor collisions, the lack of protection for motorcyclists can cause injuries that are severe enough to lead to pain and suffering. Here are some common damages an injured victim might suffer after a motorcycle rollover accident.
Head and Neck Injuries
In a motorcycle rollover accident, a helmet may not prevent all injuries to the head and neck. You are at risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, or neck sprain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
An injury to your spinal cord could be life-altering. Types of paralysis are possible, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. You could also experience nerve damage in the spine after a motorcycle rollover.
Road Rash and Abrasions
Most motorcycle crashes result in the riders hitting the road surface. This is typically accompanied by severe skin trauma, such as road rash, which can turn into a severe infection if it is not treated correctly.
Broken Bones and Fractures
A road defect, manufacturing defect, or negligent driver can also cause motorcycle rollover accidents that lead to broken bones. Arms, legs, ribs, and shoulders are prone to fractures when you fall off your bike.
Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
Some injuries are more complex to identify because they are internal. Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately evident after your motorcycle rollover, so seeing a doctor is crucial to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
Determining Liability in Rollover Accidents
You may have a motorcycle accident case if someone behaved negligently and caused your crash. Victims can pursue personal injury cases against the at-fault party to receive compensation for damages.
Establishing liability is crucial to winning your case. Potentially liable parties in motorcycle rollover accidents can include other drivers, motorcycle manufacturers in cases of defective parts, and government agencies for poor road maintenance.
Seeking Compensation After a Rollover Accident
A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for immediate expenses to pay for legal damages. These damages can include lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and future medical expenses, all of which are considered economic damages. There are also non-economic damages like mental anguish, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the victim of a motorcycle accident dies, a surviving family member could file a wrongful death lawsuit, which could include additional damages like funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Prevention of a Motorcycle Rollover Accident
Motorcycle rollover accidents are often preventable. Although you cannot control the actions of others, you can put yourself in the best position to avoid these crashes. Proper rider training and education can keep you safe while on the roads. Practice defensive driving techniques to be proactive about preventing dangerous situations. Keep up with motorcycle maintenance to avoid equipment issues. Finally, avoid risky maneuvers and riding at excessive speeds.
Protecting Yourself and Your Rights After Motorcycle Accidents
If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates can help you hold the at-fault party responsible. Our team can help you recover damages like lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. If you need help collecting evidence to support your claim, we know how to use accident reconstruction experts and police reports as evidence.
If you plan to seek compensation with the help of our experienced attorneys, it starts with a free consultation. Call us today at 615-255-9999 or complete the online form to discuss your legal options and begin building a case for your claim.
