What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Many of the causes of motorcycle accidents are
not related to motorcyclists.
Those causes include:
- Other motorists: Approximately one-third of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes result from other motorists turning into the motorcycle's path. Other motorists may also cause motorcycle accidents by tailgating, running red lights, stop signs, yield signs, driving while distracted or intoxicated, or engaging in other dangerous driving behaviors.
- Road conditions: Potholes, uneven roadways, large cracks in the road, dangerously positioned work crews, non-operational traffic lights, and other road conditions can contribute to motorcycle accidents.
- Pedestrians: If a pedestrian suddenly crosses the road illegally, a motorcyclist may have to brake or swerve suddenly, and this motion can eject them from the motorcycle.
- Truckers: If cargo falls from a truck, a motorcyclist may strike or quickly avoid the lost cargo. This may cause a motorcycle accident.
There are many other ways for a motorcycle accident to happen. If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, an
experienced motorcycle accident attorney can review your case and determine liability.
Motorcyclists Are at the Greatest Risk When Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die from accident-related injuries than people in cars.
The danger motorcyclists face is due, in part, to the motorcycle itself, which:
- Provides no physical protection between the rider and other vehicles, roadways, and objects near the road
- It can quickly turn over as it balances on two wheels and may become destabilized whenever an accident happens
- Can travel at high speeds and accelerate quickly
- Has no seatbelts, airbags, or other notable safety features
While motorcyclists acknowledge and accept the greater risk of riding a motorcycle, they expect that other motorists will act reasonably. This is, too often, not the case.
Other Motorists May Pose the Greatest Risk to Motorcyclists
Statistically, motorists-not road conditions or defects-are the most
common cause of accidents. Therefore, other motorists pose the most consistent risk to motorcyclists’ health and safety.
All motorists have a
duty of care. This duty of care requires them to act reasonably in a given situation. If it is raining, a motorist must reduce their speed and distance behind another vehicle. If a work crew is on the side of the road, a motorist should change lanes to avoid hitting them. These are just two examples of how motorists should exercise their duty of care.
Many motorcycle accidents happen when motorists
fail to exercise their duty of care-in these cases, a motorist is
negligent.
Common examples of motorist negligence are:
- Speeding, especially in dangerous road conditions
- Changing lanes when there is not enough clearance to do so safely
- Tailgating
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Engaging in any other behavior that increases the risk of an accident
Motorcyclists are particularly difficult for many motorists to see. A motorist who doesn’t check their blind spots proceeds through intersections without yielding or doesn’t wear glasses or contacts may pose a massive threat to motorcyclists.
Consider
hiring an attorney if someone has caused you or your loved one harm through a motorcycle accident.
I've Suffered Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident. Can I Recover Compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation as the victim of a motorcycle accident. An attorney can review your case and confirm whether you’re the victim of negligence.
As the victim of a motorcycle accident, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Any medical cost resulting from your motorcycle accident may entitle you to compensation. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe, and you may need substantial coverage for your healthcare costs.
- Lost income and productivity: If you worked at the time of your motorcycle accident, your injuries might deprive you of income, productivity, bonuses, and other benefits of employment. These damages may be recoverable through a lawsuit.
- Pain and suffering: Motorcycle accident lawsuits generally include the damage we call pain and suffering. This may cover physical pain, emotional anguish, lost quality of life, and other non-economic damages.
- Repair or replacement of your motorcycle: If your bike needs repairs or total replacement, a lawsuit may help cover the cost.
When motorcycle accidents are fatal, surviving loved ones may bring a wrongful death action. A
wrongful death lawsuit may cover funeral costs, pain and suffering, medical expenses, grief counseling, loss of companionship, financial support, parental guidance, and other recoverable damages.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Lead My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You should hire a motorcycle accident attorney for your claim, and you can do so at no upfront cost. Generally, you’ll agree to pay a percentage of any winnings to the attorney. In exchange, the attorney will pay all case-related costs and agree to accept no upfront fee. You will pay nothing if they don’t secure compensation for you, so you risk nothing financially by hiring a lawyer.
Your lawyer will:
- Investigate your motorcycle accident
- Gather and preserve all relevant evidence
- Obtain any useful witness accounts
- Identify and value your damages
- Determine who is liable for your losses
- Pursue a settlement
- Complete any necessary trial
Motorcycle accident cases don’t typically go to trial. More often, attorneys can resolve cases through a settlement. You may receive compensation to cover all of your losses without ever having to go to court.
Of course, it is your decision whether to hire an attorney. Before making an informed decision, you must know the benefits of hiring a lawyer. You may focus solely on recovery while your lawyer handles your entire insurance claim or lawsuit.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle accidents can involve significant compensation. Having a lawyer who can handle your case can provide peace of mind and possibly financial results.
Call an attorney today for a free consultation about your motorcycle accident case.
