All motor vehicle accidents have the potential to end catastrophically. This is especially true when the crash is caused by a drunk driver and even more so when the drunk driver hits a motorcyclist. Often the sheer size and weight of the car or truck is enough to cause severe injuries to the rider. Further, the fact that the motorcyclist will often be thrown from the bike or dragged a far distance after impact.

Serious head, neck and spinal trauma, as well as broken bones and internal bleeding are common in these accidents. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual when the motorcyclist is the victim of wrongful death at the hands of a negligent motorist who drove under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In fact, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), almost one-third of traffic fatalities in 2010 were caused by drunk driving.

If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, there are certain factors an experienced attorney will take into consideration as he negotiates compensation for your injuries. The most important thing is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was driving while intoxicated.

1. Did the motorist even see the motorcycle: Alert driving means paying attention to your surroundings and being aware of the other vehicles on the road. It’s not unusual for a drunk driver involved in an accident with a motorcycle to say “I didn’t even see the motorcycle on the road.” Your lawyer can use that type of statement to your advantage.
2. What does the record say: A knowledgeable lawyer like Team Law’s Andrew Prince, Esq. will review all police and accident records. It’s important for your lawyer to know all the details of the accident itself including the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content) and any other behavior at the scene that would point to negligent behavior.
3. Is the drunk driver being prosecuted: If the police feel the driver’s behavior warrants more than a civil case, that information could positively impact your personal injury claim.

For a free consultation and sound legal advice about your motorcycle accident injury claim, contact Andrew Prince, Esq. today. He has been a rider advocate for more than 25 years.