Who Can I Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents often leave riders facing severe injuries, costly medical bills, and lost wages. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, one of the first questions you might ask is: Who is responsible? Determining fault is crucial for securing compensation, and liability can fall on several different parties depending on the circumstances of the accident.
The Other Driver
In many cases, the driver of another vehicle is at fault for a motorcycle accident. Some common reasons for fault include:
- Failure to yield – Drivers may not see motorcyclists or fail to yield the right-of-way.
- Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can cause a driver to overlook a motorcycle.
- Speeding or reckless driving – A speeding or aggressive driver may not have enough time to react to a motorcycle.
- Driving under the influence – Drunk or impaired drivers are a major cause of serious motorcycle accidents.
If another driver caused your accident, their insurance company may be responsible for covering your damages.
The Motorcycle Rider (You)
Sometimes, the motorcyclist may share part or all of the blame. This could happen if:
- You were speeding or riding recklessly.
- You failed to obey traffic signals or laws.
- You were lane splitting (which is illegal in some states).
- You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Even if you were partially at fault, you might still be able to recover compensation under comparative negligence laws, which allow you to collect damages based on the percentage of fault assigned to the other party.
The Motorcycle Manufacturer
If a defective motorcycle part caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the part could be held liable under product liability laws. For example, you might have a legitimate product liability case if any of the following helped contribute to your accident:
- A brake failure,
- Defective tires,
- Throttle malfunctions, or
- Steering or suspension defects.
In these cases, a product liability claim may be an option against the manufacturer or distributor.
A Government Entity
Poor road conditions can be dangerous for motorcyclists. If your crash was caused by something like potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper signage, you may have a claim against the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads.
Please keep in mind that lawsuits against government entities often have strict filing deadlines and special legal procedures. A result is that it is often critical to contact a personal injury attorney if you believe a government entity caused your motorcycle accident.
A Mechanic or Repair Shop
If your motorcycle was recently serviced and a mechanic failed to repair or correctly diagnose an issue, they could be held responsible for your crash.
Faulty repairs or negligent maintenance can lead to dangerous accidents.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by freepik