Motorcycle vs. Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know

With motorcycles offering little protection to riders, it’s no wonder that injuries sustained in truck versus motorcycle accidents are often severe and life-threatening. These types of collisions can have devastating consequences due to the significant size and weight difference between trucks and motorcycles.

Unfortunately, truck versus motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death. The lack of protection that motorcycles offer their riders makes them especially vulnerable in these types of accidents.

While fault may seem obvious in such a crash, it isn’t always as easy to prove liability and recover compensation when a commercial trucking company is involved, but our experienced truck accident lawyers in Georgia at John Foy & Associates can help you build a solid claim. Let’s take a look at motorcycle vs. truck accidents so you can find out what is important to know.

Rider Risks Are Increased in Motorcycle-Truck Collisions

Motorcycle accidents involving large commercial vehicles like trucks present unique dangers compared to other types of crashes. Our attorneys have seen the devastating impact of these crashes on victims and their families. Some key risks to be aware of include:

Size Differences Pose Grave Threats

The extreme mismatch in size between a motorcycle and a commercial truck means that even low-speed impacts pose life-threatening risks. A motorcycle rider is much more vulnerable without the protection of a steel cage.

Blind Spots Can Hide Motorcycles Easily

With their high-profile cabs and large blind zones, truck drivers have difficulty spotting smaller motorcycles in adjacent lanes or cruising alongside them. This is a major collision hazard when trucks are turning at intersections.

Weight Disparity Spells Disaster

Weighing many tons, a speeding semi-truck or garbage truck has devastating crushing power compared to a motorcycle. The forces of such an accident are rarely survivable for the motorcyclist without serious injury.

Liability in a Motorcycle vs. Commercial Truck Accident Claim

Since the financial stakes are likely very high in a motorcycle vs. truck accident claim, the trucking company and other potentially liable parties will fight hard to limit their liability and try to pin at least some of the blame on the motorcyclist. 

An experienced truck accident attorney can help gather evidence to prove liability and deflect allegations of fault against the motorcyclist. Here are some things we consider when building a personal injury case in a crash:

Truck Condition

The mechanical condition and maintenance status of the commercial vehicle will be carefully examined. Any outstanding recalls, malfunctions, or unaddressed repair issues could suggest negligence on the part of the carrier, the trucking company, the maintenance providers, or even the truck manufacturer.

Load Weight and Cargo Loading Factors

Investigators will also analyze the physical load and weight carried by the truck, as an overload could have impacted driving ability and crash dynamics. Further, the way the truck was loaded could have contributed to a weight shift and increased braking time. This could mean the cargo loading company shares some of the blame. 

The Driver

Driver-specific factors are equally important. Entries in the driver’s logbook detailing hours on duty and time spent resting will be reviewed for compliance with regulations. Medical episodes like heart conditions, seizures, or other emerging health problems increase liability if a lapse contributed to the at-fault actions.

Finally, elements such as prescription drug or illegal substance use, intoxication, and any previous safety violations or accidents on the driver’s record may point to willful disregard for others’ welfare in operating such a large vehicle.

Hiring and Training Practices

Carriers are responsible for thoroughly vetting and monitoring employees tasked with safely operating many-ton machinery on public roads alongside vulnerable traffic. Unearthing lapses in safety protocols or driver oversight can strengthen an injury victim’s liability claim against the trucking company following a serious collision.

Overall, verifying the full condition and context around both the vehicle and driver provides valuable insight into assigning responsibility and serves as an important part of due diligence when investigating fault in motor carrier crashes. 

The evidence your personal injury lawyer gathers will help you build a solid case against the negligent parties and help to maximize your compensation. 

How a Lawyer Can Help You

Here are some ways an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help navigate the challenges of seeking compensation after a motorcycle-truck collision:

Investigation

Conduct a thorough investigation to reconstruct the accident dynamics and establish fault. Our firm has the resources for accident reconstruction experts, private investigators, etc.

Coordination

Handle complex medical issues like coordinating care, obtaining medical records, and understanding long-term treatment needs and prognosis to properly quantify damages.

Identification

Identify all liable parties like the trucker, company, and insurers to potentially access higher combined liability limits.

Filing and Document Handling

Handle all documentation correctly and efficiently and ensure all deadlines are met to avoid statute of limitations issues that could jeopardize the case.

Negotiation and Litigation

Skillfully negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your financial compensation and prepare to litigate if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates will not hesitate to pursue your claim and represent you in court.

Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm in Atlanta for a Free Case Evaluation

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident with a large truck, don’t go through the recovery process alone – our team is here to help. Dealing with insurers after such a serious crash can be incredibly stressful.

John Foy & Associates know getting fair compensation is critical for funding your medical care and long-term needs.

Contact us today and let’s start putting together a strategy to get you the maximum settlement you deserve. You have our word that we’ll fight to make this process as smooth as possible so you can focus on healing.