Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or death than other motor vehicle accidents. In 2018, nearly 5,000 people in the United States died in motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are as follows:

• Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. When one driver is speeding, it decreases his or her ability to see and react to other drivers in enough time to prevent a collision. 
• Alcohol impairment causes drivers to have worse reaction times. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to swerve into another lane or run through a stoplight, causing an accident.
• Dangerous road conditions potholes, crumbling roads, debris, a lack of safety signs, and poorly designed roads also contribute to motorcycle accidents.
• Lane splitting is a process in which a motorcyclist drives between two lanes. This practice can be dangerous and cause collisions between motorcyclists and drivers of cars. 
• Sudden stops can cause collisions. Drivers can follow motorcyclists too closely. When the driver needs to abruptly stop, he or she can crash into the motorcyclist’s serious injuries or death.
• Inexperienced drivers who are not familiar with looking for motorcyclists and driving alongside motorcyclists can also contribute to accidents. 
• Left-turn accidents happen when a driver makes an error when making a left-hand turn. Sometimes drivers make left-hand turns in front of oncoming vehicles, causing an accident.
• When car doors open onto oncoming traffic, motorcyclists can crash into the doors, causing serious injuries or even death.
• Unsafe lane changes are also incredibly dangerous. It is easier for drivers of cars and trucks to miss seeing a motorcyclist in their rearview mirror or in their blind spot.

Bringing a Lawsuit After Your Motorcycle Accident

If you have been involved in a devastating motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what to do next. The thought of filing a lawsuit may be overwhelming to you. You may have a valid legal claim against the person responsible for causing your motorcycle accident. The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to determine who is at fault for your injuries. 

In many cases, a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident. Negligent drivers are financially responsible for the injuries of others caused by their negligence. If another driver ran a red light and slammed into your motorcycle, that other driver is negligent and financially responsible for any injuries caused by the accident. 

In other cases, dangerous road conditions may have caused your accident. In these cases, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the city or town responsible for the roads. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to potholes. Driving over a pothole can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and collide with another vehicle. 

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle collisions can cause lasting and devastating injuries. After a motorcycle accident happens, you may face a long recovery that may make it difficult, if not impossible to continue working. You may be concerned about how you will pay your bills during this difficult time. Plaintiffs who successfully file a personal injury lawsuit are entitled to the following types of damages:

• Property damage caused to your motorcycle and any other personal property that becomes damaged during the accident
• Lost wages due to recovering from your injuries and no longer being able to go to work. 
• Compensation for not being able to engage in activities that you love to do
• Any accommodations that you need to make regarding your injuries, including making ramp accommodations, or purchasing prosthetics
• Compensation for chronic pain from injuries caused by the motorcycle accident
• Compensation for pain and suffering from the trauma of the accident, including pain from rehabilitation, surgeries, and therapy
• A loss of your quality of life, anxiety, depression, or sleep dysfunction caused by a motorcycle accident

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Motorcycle Accident

Insurance companies often begin calling those injured in accidents within hours of the accident. If you plan to file an insurance claim against an at-fault driver after your accident, speaking to a lawyer first is wise. Insurance companies are for-profit companies and their bottom line is profit. For that reason, insurance companies often make settlement offers that are far too low. At James A. Rice, PC, we have experience negotiating assertively with insurance companies so our clients receive a fair settlement for their injuries. 

Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At James A. Rice, PC, we have a proven track record of successfully securing settlements and jury awards on behalf of our clients. We thoroughly investigate our client’s cases and determine which parties are at fault. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help you today.