Motorcycle accidents are often devastating for riders, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of these crashes can not only promote safer riding but also help injured individuals seek appropriate legal support. Attorneys like those at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can attest to the importance of addressing these cases strategically to help clients recover. Below are seven common causes of motorcycle accidents and how a motorcycle accident lawyer can assist injured riders.
Distracted Driving By Others On The Road
Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted are a significant danger to motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, making them especially vulnerable to drivers who aren’t paying attention. When a distracted driver causes a collision, an attorney can gather evidence such as cell phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to demonstrate the driver’s negligence.
Left Turns At Intersections
A frequent cause of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often misjudge the speed of an approaching bike or fail to see it altogether. These cases can be challenging, as drivers may claim they had the right of way. Legal professionals use accident reconstruction and other resources to establish fault and argue for fair compensation.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Motorcyclists face unique risks from poor road maintenance, such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement. Hazards that may be minor for cars can lead to severe accidents for motorcyclists. In these situations, liability may fall on a government agency or contractor responsible for maintaining the roadway. Lawyers help injured riders identify liable parties and collect the necessary evidence, including maintenance records and photos of the accident site.
Lane Changes Without Checking Blind Spots
Drivers changing lanes without properly checking their blind spots often collide with motorcyclists. This type of accident is particularly dangerous due to the size and speed of motorcycles. Lawyers assist by analyzing dashcam or traffic camera footage, reviewing police reports, and interviewing witnesses to demonstrate that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care.
Driving Under The Influence
Accidents involving intoxicated drivers are among the most preventable yet persistently common. Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces reaction times and decision-making abilities, creating a hazardous situation for everyone on the road. A lawyer working on behalf of an injured motorcyclist may utilize police reports, breathalyzer results, and expert testimony to establish the at-fault driver’s impairment as a cause of the crash.
Speeding And Reckless Driving
Excessive speed and reckless maneuvers by other drivers are leading contributors to motorcycle accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to a motorcycle’s presence, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Legal representatives use skid marks, vehicle damage, and accident reconstructions to support claims that speeding or reckless behavior played a role in the collision.
Rear-end Collisions
Motorcycles stopped in traffic are at high risk of being struck from behind, especially by distracted or speeding drivers. These accidents often result in severe injuries to motorcyclists due to the lack of protection compared to occupants in vehicles. Attorneys help injured riders by collecting evidence of the driver’s actions, such as dashcam footage, brake records, or traffic citations.
How Legal Support Can Help Injured Motorcyclists Recover
A motorcycle accident lawyer focuses on proving negligence and demonstrating the full scope of damages suffered by their client. They handle communication with insurance companies, calculate fair compensation for medical bills and lost income, and advocate for the rider’s rights in settlement discussions or in court. Legal professionals also help identify and pursue claims against all liable parties, whether they are drivers, government entities, or manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts.
Motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries. Understanding the causes and taking appropriate legal action can significantly impact an injured rider’s ability to move forward. If you or a loved one has been injured, seeking the guidance of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can be a crucial step toward recovery.
