Wyoming Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average fatality crash rate is more than five times higher for motorcycle riders than for people in passenger cars. From 2008 to 2019, Wyoming alone experienced an average of 286 motorcycle-related crashes a year, averaging 17 fatalities and 73 incapacitating injuries per year.

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you do not have to deal with the consequences alone. The experienced attorneys at Shafner Law fight for injured motorcyclists and help them receive the justice and financial compensation they deserve. We provide an unwavering client experience and consistently provide outstanding results. Call us today at (307) 277-6956 for a free consultation.

Motorcycle accidents are often complicated by the following:

• Catastrophic injuries: Injuries related to motorcycle accidents tend to be very serious and often catastrophic. Even the best protective gear may not be enough to prevent some severe injuries. Victims can incur overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and being unable to work due to a disability.
• Proving fault by understanding the riders’ perspectives: Not everyone has ridden on or operated a motorcycle. In order to prove negligence, it is often necessary to explain how to drive a motorcycle, the decisions riders must make, and how motorcyclist crashes occur. A knowledgeable Wyoming motorcycle accident lawyer can explain these issues to those who would not otherwise understand them.
• Negative stereotypes: Let’s face it, many people hold inaccurate biases against Whether fueled by media portrayals or cultural stereotypes, these unfair biases can make it challenging to negotiate fair compensation for a crash. We here at Shafner Law believe that motorcyclists should not be blamed for an accident just because of their decision to ride a motorcycle. At Shafner Law, we work to discredit hurtful stereotypes towards motorcyclists and demonstrate how another party’s negligence plays a key factor in a crash.

It is no secret that insurance companies want to pay their clients as little as possible for their injuries. However, we at Shafner Law are not afraid to fight back.

We will fight for every piece of compensation you deserve, including payment for:

• Diminished earning capacity for the future
• Future treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Post-traumatic stress
• Rehabilitation services and equipment
• Repair/replacement of your damaged motorcycle
• Any miscellaneous expenses related to the crash

If you have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, you likely have a right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Your family should not suffer financially due to someone else’s tragic mistake.

Most Wyoming motorcycle accidents involve other motor vehicles and are commonly caused by another driver’s negligence. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Because driving under the influence is a criminal offense, your civil action case will be completely separate from the criminal case a driver might face for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a driver avoids a conviction in the criminal case, they may still be civilly liable in the context of your personal injury claim.
• Driver Fatigue: Every driver is susceptible to exhaustion. Those who drive while overly tired are not capable of responding as quickly in emergency situations, and are susceptible to many dangerous conditions such as falling asleep behind the wheel. Driver fatigue is most commonly associated with commercial truck accidents, but any motorist can be a victim of exhaustion.
• Distracted Driving: Whether it be talking, text messaging, adjusting a GPS, eating, drinking, smoking, or any number of activities, motorists can be easily distracted. Any amount of time one’s eyes aren’t on the road will increase the likelihood of an accident. If the driver was potentially using a cell phone, then an attorney can subpoena the driver’s phone records to prove it.
• Rear-End Collisions: A driver can hit a motorcycle from behind if they fail to stop in time or are distracted. These kinds of accidents can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Low-speed accidents that would be “fender-benders” for typical vehicles can be devastating for motorcyclists, and can throw riders several feet off their bikes.
• Left- or Right-Turn Accidents: Some of the most common types of motorcycle crashes involve left turns. Specifically, a driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle puts the motorcyclist in a situation where they have no power to avoid a collision. When it comes to right-turn accidents, most originate from drivers turning in front of or into a motorcyclists traveling in the same direction.
• Lane Change Accidents: Motorcyclists can sometimes be difficult to see in over-the-shoulder checks. Drivers might also forget to check their blind spots before attempting a lane change. These situations can cause crashes that frequently crush motorcycles and can pull motorcyclists underneath vehicles.
• Dangerous Riding Habits: Dangerous habits, such as speeding or tailgating, often cause motorcycle accidents.

However, not all motorcycle accidents involve other automobiles. Some crashes can be entirely isolated incidents with only one vehicle (the motorcycle) involved. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often primarily blamed for these crashes despite the many influencing factors. Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes can be caused by factors including defective motorcycle parts or poor road conditions.

If defective motorcycle parts are responsible for an accident, manufacturers could be held liable. Likewise, maintenance companies may be held liable if a motorcycle malfunctioned due to improper repairs. A municipality or other government entity may also be held liable if the accident were caused by a defect in the road or a hazardous condition.

• Call 911 and get medical treatment. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should contact emergency services immediately. If your injuries seem less severe, still visit a doctor of your choice for an evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, so it is key to visit a doctor to detect and treat them properly.
• Take photos. If you are able, take pictures or have someone close to you take pictures of the scene. Pictures capture the damage to vehicles, skid marks, crash debris, road conditions, road signs, and other vital pieces of evidence that will be cleaned up, change, or disappear with time.
• Talk to witnesses. Get the names and numbers of people who saw your accident. Their testimony will be very valuable if there is any dispute over liability.
• Get a copy of the accident report. The police that respond to the scene of your motorcycle crash will conduct an investigation. An officer may also issue a citation to a negligent driver. Always make sure to get a copy of the accident report from the local law enforcement that responded to the accident. It will likely play a key role in your case.
• Reach out to a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Wyoming. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can in order to discuss your legal options. It is best to speak to a lawyer, and not the other driver’s insurance company. Also, be thoughtful and circumspect about anything you post on social media about your accident. Insurers regularly monitor social media sites to obtain information that may help them, and not you.

Wyoming requires all people under 18 years of age operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Helmets are also encouraged for all riders. However, the truth is that helmets do not offer enough protection.

A motorcyclist in an accident is susceptible to serious injuries. Many can require long-term hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and some victims may still be permanently unable to return to work.

Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists can sustain include:

• Burn injuries
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Head or neck injuries
• Herniated or slipped discs
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Paralysis
• Road rash
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Torn tendons or ligaments
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

In addition to those listed above, motorcyclists are much more likely to to suffer fatal injuries from an accident. Family members of the deceased person, including their spouse, children, or parents, can file a wrongful death lawsuit to pursue compensation for their loss.

You should typically avoid speaking to another driver’s insurance company without being represented by a lawyer. As a reminder, the representatives are interested in their company’s best interests, not yours.

When a claims adjuster has been assigned to your case, the insurance company will inform you when they have begun investigating the crash. The claims adjuster will almost definitely try to get you to provide a recorded statement. Always politely refuse to do so. The insurance company is looking for information they can use to deny your claim.

When you hire a lawyer for your bodily injury claim, the lawyer will speak to the insurance company on your behalf.  You can trust your attorney to handle communication with the insurance company. This takes the pressure off of you, and helps avoid future problems.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Wyoming, Shafner Law is here to help you pursue  just compensation. We will do everything in our power to get you back on your feet and to help you move forward with your life.

Reach out today by calling (307) 277-6956 today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

“Thank you so much for being so thoughtful and helpful with my family. We are so happy to have found you and your team.”

-Joanne