Understanding the Physical and Financial Toll of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle ownership in Maine has surged over the past two decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle registrations in the state have jumped nearly 190 percent, from just over 22,000 in 2002 to nearly 64,000 in 2023. But with that growth has come a disturbing trend: more fatal crashes and serious, life-altering injuries.
Between 2002 and 2024, annual motorcycle fatalities in Maine nearly tripled, rising from 13 to 35 deaths, according to federal crash data. Behind those numbers are real people—riders whose lives were changed in an instant, and families left reeling in the aftermath. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, our Maine motorcycle accident lawyers have seen firsthand what victims endure after a crash and how difficult it can be to get fair compensation.
Here’s what riders and their families need to know about the injuries, the legal process, and how compensation works in Maine.
Road Rash: More Than Just Scrapes
Often dismissed as “just a skin injury,” road rash can be deceptively serious. Riders who slide across pavement after being thrown from their bike may suffer deep abrasions that expose muscle or bone. These wounds can easily become infected or leave permanent scars.
Treatment may include wound debridement, antibiotics, and in severe cases, skin grafts. Recovery is painful and slow, and without protective gear, the damage is often worse. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters may still try to downplay road rash as minor, which is why thorough documentation and strong legal advocacy are so important.
Broken Bones and Long-Term Recovery
Fractures are among the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. Whether it’s a broken leg from a side-impact crash or a shattered wrist from bracing during a fall, these injuries can keep victims out of work for weeks or months.
Some riders require metal pins, plates, or reconstructive surgery. Others are left with long-term complications such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Change Everything
Even with a helmet, riders are vulnerable to head trauma. A concussion can sideline a motorcyclist for weeks. A more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, loss of coordination, or personality changes.
In some cases, TBIs lead to permanent disability or require lifelong care. Medical imaging, neuropsychological evaluations, and testimony from treating physicians are often essential to proving the full impact of a brain injury in a legal claim.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Crashes involving high speeds or direct impact to the back can result in spinal cord injuries. These are among the most devastating outcomes of a motorcycle collision, potentially leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia.
In these cases, the costs are staggering. Emergency surgery, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and round-the-clock care can total hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars over a lifetime. When a crash is caused by a negligent driver, the financial burden should never fall on the injured rider.
How Motorcycle Accident Compensation Works in Maine
Maine uses a fault-based insurance system. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance is responsible for paying for the victim’s losses, including medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Remember, Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule. That means if you're found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover compensation. If you're 50 percent or less at fault, your award is reduced by your share of the blame.
This makes the quality of your legal representation essential. Even a few percentage points of fault can cost thousands in lost compensation. That's why it's so important to consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney if you've been injured in a crash. A lawyer can protect your rights and help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
How Much is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
There’s no fixed amount for motorcycle accident settlements in Maine, but an experienced attorney will fight for full compensation. That may include:
- Hospital bills and emergency care
- Surgery and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we’ve recovered millions for motorcycle crash victims, including a $2 million settlement for one seriously injured rider. Every case is different, but one thing is constant: we push for the maximum recovery allowed under the law.
Who Pays for Motorcycle Injuries in Maine?
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays for injuries. But not every driver is insured. When that happens, the rider’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes critical.
It’s also important to know that Maine’s no-fault insurance system (PIP) does not apply to motorcyclists. This means riders must pursue compensation through fault-based claims or their own optional coverage.
Every claim should be reviewed by an attorney who understands how to maximize recovery under Maine law—and how to handle difficult insurance companies.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve been injured, the steps you take in the first few days can make or break your claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms
- Follow all treatment instructions and attend follow-ups
- Don’t speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance without legal advice
- Document your injuries and recovery through photos and written notes
- Contact an experienced Maine motorcycle accident lawyer immediately
Get Legal Help From a Firm That Fights for Injured Riders
When you’re hurt in a crash, you don’t just need a lawyer. You need a law firm that takes your injuries seriously. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we’ve spent decades helping Maine motorcyclists fight for the compensation they deserve.
We understand the challenges riders face—physically, emotionally, and financially. We know the tactics insurance companies use to delay or deny claims. And we know how to win.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you. We have seven offices across Maine and are ready to protect your rights throughout the entire process.
"I was in a bad motorcycle accident that left me injured and unable to work for two weeks. I tried my hand at going at it alone but could tell quickly that I was in way over my head. The other driver's insurance company was very difficult to work with. That’s when I decided to seek professional help and called Joe! Smartest move I ever made." – Actual Client, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
