A little under an hour west of Worcester, a collision between a car and a motorcycle recently seriously injured a motorcyclist. The 62-year old motorcycle rider was taken by helicopter to University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester for multiple compound fractures to his arms and legs following the motorcycle accident. According to the hospital, one of man’s legs may have to be amputated. The motorcycle rider’s injuries were not considered life-threatening. The driver of the car was also taken to the hospital to address what were described as non-life threatening injuries.
According to police, the accident occurred when a car driven by a 21-year old woman, travelling northbound, crossed the center line and hit the motorcycle, travelling southbound, head-on. The motorcycle accident remains under investigation. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of the driver of a passenger vehicle who is liable for failure to yield to oncoming traffic or some other type of negligent behavior. In fact, in two-thirds of motorcycle accidents the driver of a passenger vehicle violated the right-of-way of the motorcycle and caused the accident.
Because motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including broken bones and sometimes in permanent disability, motorcycle accident victims enjoy protection through the ability to bring a claim for damages against the negligent party. Motorcycle accident victims who suffer injury may be able to recover damages for things like lost wages, medical expenses and even pain and suffering.
Motorcycle accident victims may feel overwhelmed following a motorcycle collision. Because of the emotional and financial challenges victims may face, a claim for damages may allow them to recover compensation for some, or all, aspects of the harm.
Source: The Recorder, “Ludlow motorcyclist seriously injured when hit by car,” David Rainville, April 6, 2014
