According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 56% of all motorcycle accidents occur on urban roadways, more specifically at intersections. While most motorcycle accidents happen on freeways or at intersections, any motorcyclist who suffers injuries or losses because of a negligent party has the legal right to pursue compensation for their economic and noneconomic losses.
Dangers of Intersections
Motorcycle accidents can happen at any place on the roadways. However, statistics have shown that intersections are the greatest danger to motorcyclists. Most accidents involving motorcycles happen at intersections in one of two types of situations:
- A motorist collides with a motorcyclist when both drivers attempt to make a left turn at the intersection.
- A motorist collides with a motorcyclist when the motorist attempts to turn left and does not notice the motorcyclist traveling through the intersection in the opposite direction.
The reasons for both of these types of motorcycle accidents rests with the fact that the motorist negligently failed to monitor those surroundings and check their blind spots. As a result, the motorist fails to appropriately yield to the motorcyclist resulting in an accident. In other cases, a well-traveled intersection may have loose asphalt, standing water, faded road lines, or potholes that can result in a motorcycle accident and injury to the motorcyclist.
Dangers of Freeways or Highways
Most motorists and motorcyclists travel at high rates of speed on freeways and highways. The following describes several causes and scenarios regarding motorcycle accidents that occur on freeways and roadways.
Failure to Monitor Surroundings
When a motorist fails to check their blind spots and surroundings, they may inadvertently and negligently sideswipe a motorcyclist near their vehicle. Other types of dangers on freeways and highways include debris in the roadway, inclement weather, cargo spills, or even hazardous construction zones. Because freeways and highways are always well-traveled, multiple-vehicle pile-ups remain common, and unfortunately, motorcycle riders fare poorly in these types of accidents.
Manufacturing Defect
If a motorist has a mechanical defect related to their vehicle that results in a steering error or blown tire, the results for surrounding motorcyclists can prove catastrophic and deadly. In these cases, a victim may have the legal right to file a claim against the manufacturer under a product liability claim.
Head-On Collisions on Freeways or Highways
While head-on collisions are less frequent than sideswiping accidents, those motorcyclists who suffer injuries and losses in a head-on collision account for the majority of fatalities. In some cases, speeding or motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol result in head-on collisions on freeways or highways.
Lane Splitting
In some cases, a motorcyclist will make the dangerous and illegal decision to drive between lanes on freeways or highways. While this might make the motorcyclist responsible for an accident, there are certain cases when a motorist will also have partial responsibility for an accident involving lane splitting. Speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney can help a victim determine liability and responsibility and help a motorcyclist still possibly receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
Determination of Liability
Regardless of where a motorcycle accident occurred, a victim may have the legal right to receive compensation for their injuries and losses. A motorcycle accident attorney can help conduct an independent investigation to determine liability. In difficult cases, a victim may need to hire an accident reconstruction specialist or medical expert to testify on their behalf regarding the details of their motorcycle accident. A motorcycle accident attorney can not only locate expert witnesses but also construct a personal injury case from the evidence and testimony provided.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
If a motorcycle accident happens on the roadways or highways, or at an intersection, a victim must not only establish liability but also make determinations regarding the actual compensation amount they deserve under the law. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, they could receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, loss of wages, property damage, emotional anguish, and pain and suffering. No matter where a motorcycle accident occurs, a victim can pursue justice and compensation from the negligent party for their injuries and losses.
Consider Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
While most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections and on highways, any victim of a motorcycle accident has the legal right to justice and compensation for their injuries and losses. Consider setting up a free consultation with our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Call (800) 223-5115 to learn how a motorcycle accident attorney can answer your questions and seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.