Motorcycle riders have many advantages on the road over larger vehicle owners, such as lower fuel costs, easier transit through traffic, and more accessible parking. However, the downside comes with heightened safety risks.
Put simply, motorcycle owners are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries than a typical car driver when involved in a collision. Many of those who survive must face the reality of expensive medical treatment, a long recovery, and financial losses.
If you have been in a collision caused by another driver, a motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your rights to compensation from liable drivers. Consult a trusted law firm in your area today.
Different Types of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many ways someone can hit your motorcycle, and often, a simple mistake might be the cause. Nevertheless, whether the fault was intentional or not, another person’s negligence can cause you serious harm.
Examples of typical motorcycle collisions include the following.
Failure to Observe Motorcycles
Due to the smaller size of motorcycles than other vehicles, a common source of motorcyclist danger is not being seen by drivers. All drivers have to navigate blind spots and should pay attention to all vehicles around them. Motorcyclists are much harder to see, and distracted or hurrying drivers can miss motorcycles and collide with them.
Lane-Switching Collisions
Lane changes lead to many motorcycle crashes. Often, car, truck, and SUV drivers don’t take the proper precautions when changing lanes, especially at high speeds on the Interstate. They may sideswipe a motorcycle or run it off the road in this type of accident.
Even light contact at a high speed can cause motorcycle drivers to veer off-road, causing substantial injuries. The outcome of a lane-switching accident can be severe for motorcycle riders.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left turns are precarious situations for motorcycles, and it is also dangerous when other drivers are turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles. In such situations, drivers might not see a motorcycle or might misjudge its speed, leading to a collision. Motorcyclists traveling at speed have little chance to react, making them especially vulnerable. If they try to stop or swerve, they often lay their bikes down on the pavement.
Hazardous Road Condition Accidents
There may be occasions when another motorist isn’t to blame for an accident. Some motorcycle riders crash into stationary objects or fly off their bikes because of poorly managed roads.
The public has a right to safe driving conditions, but obstacles such as potholes, construction debris, or poor maintenance often lead to disaster, especially for motorcyclists. In the event of such accidents, the government or private landowner might be liable for damages caused by the accident. These can be complicated legal claims.
Reckless Driving
Sadly, all motorists are at risk when drivers engage in dangerous driving habits. We have all encountered impatient, aggressive, or hostile drivers, and these individuals cause untold damage every year. It doesn’t matter if a motorcyclist wears protection; nothing can truly protect against a reckless driver who might be excessively speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, racing, or other serious traffic violations.
Negligent Driving Is a Threat to Motorcyclists
Negligent driving is a broad, all-encompassing term that covers many forms of unsafe conduct on the road. Negligence is the central element of personal injury, which covers liability for causing someone else harm, including in motorcycle accidents.
Negligent driving may look like one or more of the following:
- Tailgating is when drivers stay too close behind a motorcycle, risking a serious accident due to a lack of space.
- Distracted driving might happen because of a cell phone, other passengers, or many other factors.
- Forgetting turn signals causes motorcycle accidents because a car’s sudden change of course gives motorcyclists very little reaction time. A motorcycle traveling at 65 mph needs the equivalent of half a football field to stop completely.
- Speeding is a problem throughout the United States. Cars traveling at high speeds need more braking distance and often crash into motorcycles.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs leads to preventable accidents with all types of vehicles.
- Tired drivers can be a threat to themselves and others. Truck drivers are especially vulnerable to this due to the number of hours they are on the road.
- Failing to yield is a serious problem for motorcyclists. When a driver cuts in front of a motorcyclist or ignores a traffic signal or sign, it can cause a serious collision.
- Driving without lights can be especially dangerous because, quite simply, a car not using headlights or brake lights can be invisible to motorcyclists.
- Ignoring weather or road conditions might lead to liability, especially in heavy rain. Cars moving too fast can hydroplane on a wet surface, losing control and striking motorcycles.
If a negligent driver hit you on your motorcycle, do not wait to contact a local motorcycle accident attorney. They will review what happened, consider the cause of the accident, and look to establish who is responsible.
Contacting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Many don’t know where to turn after a motorcycle accident. You may be severely injured, facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and a reduced quality of life. The last thing you need is to figure out who should be liable or negotiate with hard-nosed insurance companies for compensation. Further, trying to seek compensation alone often results in a much lower settlement than an experienced lawyer might obtain on your behalf.
Fortunately, you can consult a motorcycle accident lawyer and they can:
- Assess your rights
- Identify liable parties
- Gather evidence to prove liability
- Calculate losses
- File insurance claim and negotiate settlements
- Pursue litigation if necessary
All of these services are invaluable - not only for your financial support but also for your peace of mind.
Working on Contingency
Thankfully, a consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney will be free. What’s more, a motorcycle accident attorney works on a “no-win-no-fee” basis. You never pay anything upfront for their services.
In any event, don’t delay contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Don’t face the process alone; let an experienced attorney fight in your corner and seek the settlement you deserve.