When Negligence Causes Your Motorcycle Accident
No one wants to cause a motorcycle crash, but still these accidents happen every day. Most crashes are caused by human error, which means that someone is at fault for most motorcycle accidents. When another driver strikes your motorcycle or causes your accident, it is likely because they were careless or made a mistake.
Careless driving is negligence, and it’s the basis of most motorcycle accident personal injury claims. The other driver may not have intended to cause you harm, but they should still be held responsible for their reckless behavior. Examples of negligence behind the wheel include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following your motorcycle too closely
- Not giving you adequate room to turn
- Impaired driving
- Failure to observe traffic signs or signals
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to adjust driving to suit conditions of the road.
If a negligent driver caused your accident, you should explore your legal options. John R. Colvin has years of experience handling personal injury claims involving motorcycle accidents, and we know how to get results for clients. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Expenses Covered in Motorcycle Accident Cases
A serious motorcycle accident can be very costly and painful. The many costs you face after a crash are referred to as damages. When you file a claim, you seek payment in the form of damages, including…
- Any medical expenses related to your accident and injuries
- Any property damage in the accident
- Past and future income you have lost due to your injuries
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering.
These are just a few of the damages you can seek in a claim. If you’d like to know whether a specific cost you’re facing can be included in your claim, we encourage you to contact John R. Colvin to schedule a free consultation with our team so we can learn the specifics of your case and help you chart a path forward.
A Closer Look at the Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
In 2012, a 32-year-old Chattanooga motorcyclist died when he was struck by a left-turning vehicle. It’s one of the most common types of motorcycle crashes, because cars turning left may simply be looking for a lack of cars, rather than the presence of a motorcycle. Motorists may also misjudge the speed at which a motorcycle is approaching.
Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, other motorists may not see them, especially in a car’s blind spot. When people first learn how to drive, they are taught to glance over their shoulder before changing lanes but driving habits may become more lax over time. Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spot could easily clip the front of a motorcycle and cause a crash.
Some motorcycle crashes occur in the same manner as car crashes, but the outcomes are more severe. For example, if a car rear-ends another car at a stoplight at a low speed, both drivers may walk away from the crash with nothing but a dented fender. But when a car rear-ends a motorcyclist, a motorcyclist could be crushed, ejected, or pinned between two cars.
Motorcyclists are often advised to wear bright colors and use lights to make themselves more visible, and the ways that riders position themselves on roadways may also improve visibility. Driving techniques and safety tips are included in driver education courses, such as those offered by the Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program, which offers training for new and experienced riders alike.
Examples of Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most serious injuries imaginable. A few of the most common include…
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Fractures
- Extensive soft tissue damage
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Road burn.
A biker might experience several injuries in a crash. Regardless of the injuries you have, you should keep track of your medical bills and the many ways an injury has impacted your life, so you can be sure you’re factoring in the total costs of a motorcycle accident should you choose to file an injury claim.