Riding on a motorcycle carries a host of inherent dangers. As it’s the one vehicle where you’re exposed to a host of elements such as inclement weather conditions, uncontrollable obstacles in the roadway and inconsiderate drivers; your risks for an accident can be heightened. Knowing your rights and taking the proper precautions is a necessity when navigating the roads on a motorcycle.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
A recent survey dispelled what was behind the actual causes of motorcycle accidents today. While most consider high rates of speed to be the primary culprit in these cases, many of the accidents were not caused at the hands of the driver’s negligence. Motorcycle accident attorneys specifically handle cases pertaining to motorized bikes and have the expertise and knowledge to ascertain your rights based on the laws and regulations of the state where you would reside.
Motorcycle Accident Liability
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your pain and suffering with the help of a motorcycle attorney. In order to do this, you need to determine who was at fault for the collision. Even if you were partly to blame, you may live in a state where modified comparative fault exists. This allows an injured party to recover damages for an accident that was 50 percent or less their fault. Checking with an insurance company like Monkey Insurance and a good personal injury attorney is a great idea to ensure you get your maximum entitlement.
Most Common Causes of Accidents
Intersections are the areas where a motorcycle accident is most likely to take place. This is due in part to a truck or other vehicle blocking the view of the motorcycle from the other motorists. Another area of blame that contributes to motorcycle accidents includes obstructed views. The reflection of the sun bouncing off another vehicle or poor visibility from other cars and trucks can all contribute to the problem, and the motorcycle is less likely to see the hindrances on the roadways. Over 60 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur due to fuel spillage. With the dangerous road conditions sealing the fate for the motorcyclist, the driver is sure to experience of host of problems due to the gas spill and remaining debris.
Basic Laws and Safety
A wise motorcycle driver will abide by the laws and regulations in the state where they reside. Some forms of compliance can include the requirement of helmets to both the driver and passenger and vehicles manufactured after a specific date must have working headlights during the day and night. Safety precautions should also include keeping a safe amount of distance between the motorcycle and other vehicles, using extreme caution navigating through intersections and proper lane usage. Unfortunately, no matter how safe you drive and follow the laws and regulations, the driver of another car or truck may be negligent and can be the cause of a serious or fatal crash. If that happens, the injured party should know their rights and contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents.
It’s up to each individual party to take responsibility for staying safe on the open roadways. However, if you use extreme caution and follow the mandated laws, the other driver can be at fault for your accident. That’s why it’s extremely important to know your rights when operating a motorcycle.
Kari Lloyd is not only a regular blogger and contributor to a huge variety of both online and offline publications, she’s also a motorcycle enthusiast. Monkey Insurance provides a range of insurance options for motorcycle and scooter drivers to ensure you get the maximum coverage you’ll need to stay safe. A recent transplant from the United Kingdom, Kari is still learning to drive on the correct side of the road.