Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, providing you with a sense of freedom and adventure. However, as a motorcycle rider, you are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries than those in passenger cars, and even minor accidents could lead to devastating consequences for your health and financial stability. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t delay learning about your legal rights, as you could be entitled to compensation.
Morgan & Morgan understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll motorcycle crashes take on victims and families. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Our dedicated lawyers for motorcycle accidents are here to help. We can walk you through your legal options and help you seek fair compensation. Let Morgan & Morgan protect your rights and fight for what you deserve. Take the first step now and contact us for a free case review.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020, the highest number of fatalities since 1975. While motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, human error or negligence is often to blame. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Distracted Drivers
Driving while texting, talking on the phone, or talking to passengers, can be a significant factor in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making them more susceptible to being overlooked by distracted drivers.
Failure to Yield
When merging or making turns, car drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists, leading to collisions. Motorcycles can be hard to spot, especially in blind spots. Failure to yield can result in catastrophic accidents with severe injuries to the motorcyclist.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Car drivers and motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits. However, when car drivers and motorcyclists engage in speeding or reckless driving, the risk of accidents with injuries and fatalities increases.
Changing Lanes Unsafely
Drivers abruptly changing lanes without checking their side and blind spots may collide with a motorcyclist riding in the adjacent lane. While the vehicle driver may walk away unharmed in such crashes, motorcycle riders could be seriously or fatally injured.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to catastrophic motorcycle accidents. Crashes can occur due to impaired drivers experiencing:
- Reduced reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased awareness of their surroundings
Road Hazards
Poor road maintenance causes severe accident risks for motorcycle riders. Road hazards can include:
- Uneven road surfaces
- Potholes
- Debris on the road
While car drivers may be able to negotiate poorly maintained roads, two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles are easily thrown off balance from even small potholes and debris.
Motorcycle Defects
Faulty parts or design defects can cause crashes resulting in severe injuries or death. Defective motorcycle parts can include faulty brakes, tires, steering, and even motorcycle frame defects.
Weather Conditions
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcyclists and passengers are more exposed to the dangers of bad weather than drivers in closed vehicles. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and traction, making motorcycle riding more dangerous.
Did your motorcycle accident occur due to the negligence of another driver, a poorly maintained road, or a manufacturing defect? You could be entitled to compensation. Consider speaking to a Morgan & Morgan lawyer for motorcycle accidents as soon as possible, as the time to file a compensation claim may be limited.
Who Is Responsible for Your Motorcycle Accident?
Determining who caused your accident and is liable for your damages can be complex and may require a thorough investigation. Depending on your specific case, several parties may be held accountable, such as:
Other Drivers: When another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior causes your motorcycle accident, you could hold them responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
Government Entities: If your crash happened due to a hazardous road condition, such as inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic lights, or cracks in the road, you could have a case against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
Motorcycle Manufacturers: When a faulty part or manufacturing defect causes your motorcycle to crash, you could seek damages from the manufacturer or dealership.
Employers: If your crash occurred while you were performing job duties, such as making a delivery or traveling for work, your employer could be responsible.
Determining liability in motorcycle accidents may require a detailed investigation and compelling evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, and other information related to the crash. If you are unsure who or what caused your motorcycle crash, an experienced lawyer for motorcycle accidents at Morgan & Morgan is here to help. We can conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Motorcycle accidents often occur in a split second, but the resulting injuries and financial damage can last a lifetime. Victims could face extensive medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and chronic pain.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may downplay your injuries or deny a settlement instead of paying fair compensation, leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated. When this happens, having a determined lawyer for motorcycle accidents in your corner can be crucial. Morgan & Morgan’s motivated attorneys can:
- Navigate the legal issues while you focus on your recovery
- Level the playing field and stand up to unethical insurance companies
- Gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurers
- Fight powerfully for maximum compensation in court
- Work for you on a no-win-no-fee basis
A lawyer for motorcycle accidents at Morgan & Morgan understands the unique legal issues surrounding motorcycle accidents and has in-depth knowledge of the relevant state laws and regulations. Moreover, working with a tenacious motorcycle accident lawyer provides you with peace of mind and emotional support during one of the most challenging times in your life.