Most motorcycle riders follow the rules of the road. However, they can still become the victims of motorcycle accidents caused by the negligent actions of other drivers around them. When you or a loved one have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, speak to a Locust Grove motorcycle accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates.
Our team is standing by to ensure you are protected, that you receive the care you need and that you have an advocate fighting on your behalf against insurance carriers.
How Drivers Harm Motorcyclists
Drivers have a greater chance of causing a motorcycle accident compared to motorcycle riders. One of the main reasons is because of the lack of additional protection around the motorcycle. Compared to a car or truck, a motorcycle is unprotected. It has no additional structure that can protect the rider in an accident.
In addition to the lack of structure, drivers and truck drivers are more likely to engage in dangerous actions that can harm motorcycle riders. Even though all motorists can engage in these dangerous actions, car and truck drivers can cause more damage to motorcycle riders when they drive negligently.
Get the strong arm
Negligent Driving Behaviors
Some of the driving behaviors that can harm motorcycle riders include failing to yield, misjudging turns, stopping for no reason, opening car doors without looking, unexpectedly switching lanes, and more.
Failure to Yield
When drivers fail to yield to motorcycle riders on highways or intersections, they can unexpectedly hit riders.
Making Misjudged Turns
This type of action often happens at intersections. Drivers hit motorcycle riders when they fail to notice a rider alongside them and make a reckless left turn. Even when motorcycle riders have the right of way, drivers will try to pass them and end up hitting them.
Stopping Out of Nowhere
drivers, for whatever reason, will slam on the brakes and stop unexpectedly. Unfortunately, when a motorcycle rider is behind them, they have little time to react accordingly and strike the car from behind. This causes serious injuries, including being ejected from the motorcycle.
Opening Car Doors without Looking
Another common injury motorcycle riders experience from drivers is being hit when they open their car doors. This often happens in cities when drivers are not paying attention to the oncoming traffic. Like a rear-end accident, motorcycle riders have little time to react once a car door is opened.
Unexpectedly Switching Lanes
When drivers fail to use their signals or engage in aggressive driving, they hit motorcycle riders who do not know they are about to switch lanes. Even with new safety technology like blind spot detection, drivers still fail to notice motorcycle riders coming up behind them.
Defective Motorcycle Parts
In addition to other motorists, there are other parties whose negligence can cause harm to motorcycle riders. Another party is the motorcycle manufacturer. While most motorcycles are constructed properly, there are times when a motorcycle manufacturer produces a defective motorcycle part.
That part can be a defective tire, a cracked motorcycle frame, or a defective brake. These defects can easily lead to a motorcycle accident and risk the motorcycle rider’s life.
Liable Parties in Motorcycle Accidents
Whether your motorcycle accident was caused by a negligent driver or motorcycle manufacturer, you can sue that party in your lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to sue both parties for your injuries.
When someone else’s negligence has caused you to become involved in an accident, you risk suffering life-threatening injuries. The lack of structure around your motorcycle leaves your body exposed to many elements, from the hood of a car to a telephone pole.
Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the damages that you can list in your motorcycle accident lawsuit include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Medical Expenses
All the medical expenses you must pay out of pocket can be included in your damages. If you require any medical surgeries or procedures in the future, you can also list those expenses in your damages.
Lost Income
All of the income you have missed out on from work due to your injuries can be listed in this damage. That includes time taken off from work or any income that you could have made if you no longer have the ability to work.
Pain and Suffering
This damage allows you to be compensated for all the physical and emotional trauma you experienced from your accident.
Property Damage
This damage allows you to be compensated for any property damage to your motorcycle. That means you can be reimbursed for this damage if you have to pay for a new motorcycle following your accident.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements
Because insurance companies and legal professionals generally want to avoid adding another case to trial, all parties will have an opportunity to resolve the matter through a settlement. This option can work for you or against you.
While you do have the opportunity to avoid a trial and settle your lawsuit, the insurance companies will try to trick you by offering a low amount. The settlement amount they suggest is always lower than what a motorcycle accident victim should be paid.
How a Locust Grove Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Every little action that you take in your lawsuit can either help you or hurt you. You want to make sure that you are properly protected against insurance companies who will scrutinize everything about your accident. A motorcycle accident attorney in Locust Grove can help ensure that your lawsuit flows smoothly and that you have the advantage throughout every step.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer can predict the type of arguments insurance companies will make against you and counter those arguments efficiently.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Locust Grove Today
At John Foy & Associates, our Locust Grove motorcycle accident attorneys are passionate about helping you fight for compensation. If another party caused your accident, that party is legally obligated to pay you for your injuries. Call our office, or fill out our contact form below to schedule your consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form