Motorcycle Safety, Accidents and You

Take a look at some of the factors that can impact your case and how your attorney will use that information to help you.

Your Motorcycle

Having only two wheels makes motorcycles more unstable than cars. Loose gravel, mud and water make it easy for wheels to lose grip. And the light weight and high power allow for extreme acceleration and high speeds. If a motorcycle is not built or repaired correctly, these features can quickly put you in danger.

How can this affect your case? If you were in an accident because of a problem with your motorcycle, your auto lawyer can find out if there were manufacturing problems. They can also investigate whether repair shops truly fixed any past issues, to ensure that if the liability lies with the repair shop, they are held accountable.

Cars Really Don't See You

If your accident involved another car, an auto lawyer will investigate the other driver's focus. A big problem for motorcycles is other cars don't see them. In fact, it's the main cause of most vehicle-to-motorcycle accidents. Drivers automatically look for other cars. They aren't used to noticing motorcycles as easily because they are so small and less common than cars. In some cases, accidents have happened when a driver looked right at a motorcycle, yet they didn't “see” it.

This habit is not an excuse though. All driving courses teach drivers about how hard it is to spot motorcycles and encourage them to look twice. A driver that hit you cannot escape blame by saying "I didn't see you." Your attorney will make sure they don't try to pin the motorcycle accident on you.

Being distracted is another big problem with drivers today. Since motorcycles are so much smaller than cars and in some cases can even be hidden by street signs, the driver's attention can literally save your life. If a driver is playing with their radio, eating food or texting while driving, they can be held liable. Your auto lawyer can find out if the driver's inattention is the reason for your injuries and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Dressing for Safety

In motorcycle accident cases, juries empathize with injured riders who were prepared and doing all the right things.

Safety groups like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and agencies like the Department of Transportation recommend wearing safety gear while riding. Studies have also shown that helmets are 37% effective in stopping fatal injuries and are a good idea even though they aren't required in all states. Bright, reflective clothing that doesn't wear down easily helps other drivers see you and protects you from the pavement during an accident too.

If you were in a motorcycle accident and were wearing protective gear, showing that you take safety seriously can help your case.

Unfair Biases

The overwhelming majority of motorcycle riders are careful and do everything they can to avoid hazards. Unfortunately, some car drivers and even some police officers unfairly think motorcycle riders are reckless daredevils - speeding, doing wheelies and more. Because of this negative mindset, it's important to have a lawyer who understands and can fight this bias. They'll know how to ensure that you get your deserved settlement without letting the uninformed interfere with your rights.

After the Accident

Motorcycle accidents can be complicated, so it's important to have an auto lawyer who understands all the different ways a judge can handle motorcycles differently than cars, accident reconstruction needs to include an auto lawyer who understands these types of accidents.

In nearly all states, any person using a public road has a duty to not injure others. Anyone who doesn't do that can be at fault. If the rider and driver are both at fault, many states will assign a portion of blame to each party and adjust payouts to fit that. For instance, a driver who is 75% at fault must pay 75% of the verdict. Your attorney will do their best to prove the driver's fault in causing your accident.

Riding motorcycles is a lot of fun. Being prepared, wearing safety gear and keeping your eyes on the road can help you stay safe on two wheels. But if you are in an accident, we got you covered with an auto lawyer who can help you deal with the complex rules of a motorcycle accident.

Our team at Accident.com can help you find an auto attorney for your tough situation and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. But don't wait! There are time limitations to filing your claim. Get started now with Accident.com.