Motorcyclists and motorists have a duty to one another to share the road so that they may both safely reach their destinations. However, when drivers act irresponsibly or carelessly, placing their lives and the lives of others at risk, they may be held responsible for any injuries or accidents they cause. For more information about your legal options and filing a lawsuit if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may wish to seek legal counsel from a motorcycle accident attorney.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident may result from any number of factors. Drivers may miss motorcycles in their blind spots, may fail to yield to motorcyclists, or may tailgate a rider in an attempt to force them to travel faster than the posted speed limits. Since motorcyclists do not have the protection of a full-sized vehicle around them, they are almost always more likely to sustain severe or life-threatening injuries if they are involved in a crash or collision. Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include spinal cord or neck injuries, loss of limbs, brain damage, disfigurement, paralysis, bone fractures, and wrongful death.
Proving Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcycle accidents typically occur when other drivers are speeding, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, cutting off a motorcyclists at intersections, or swerving to pass a motorcyclist, these incidents may also occur as a result of defective or faulty parts on the motorcycle itself or on the passenger vehicle.
One of the most important parts of filing a successful lawsuit in the wake of a motorcycle accident is identifying the responsible party. However, while most victims assume that the driver is automatically liable, such is not always the case. There may be more than one entity or individual that your motorcycle accident attorney may identify should you choose to pursue a claim for compensation, including:
- The motorcycle rental company
- The government entity in charge of maintaining, constructing, or designing the roadway
- The manufacturer of the motorcycle or its parts
- The mechanic or repair shop responsible for inspecting, repairing, or maintaining the vehicle
- The retailer or manufacturer of safety equipment such as helmets
Seek Legal Counsel Today
It is important to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you believe as though you have a case. While many victims do not necessarily feel that legal counsel is necessary, a personal injury attorney can investigate the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, arrange for medical experts to testify on your behalf, speak with insurance companies and the other party’s legal counsel, and help you to build a solid case to prove fault or negligence.
A motorcycle accident attorney will also be able to provide you with a comprehensive case evaluation to determine whether you are entitled to recover damages for your injuries. Depending on the state in which you live, there is a certain statute of limitations in which you must file your lawsuit to have the best chance at a desirable outcome. Should you fail to pursue your claim within this timeframe, you will be forever barred from filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries in the future.
