Motorcycle Accidents

Was Your Loved One Killed in a Motorcycle Accident?

There is a higher rate of serious and permanent injuries in motorcycle accidents, especially with the trend of larger trucks and SUV’s on the roads. The worst cases we see are those involving the loss of life. If you’ve lost a child, parent, or spouse in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent party, you should not have to face financial difficulties in addition to your grief. Many people walk away from claims because of the anguish and depressing effects of dealing with the loss of a loved one. We provide caring and compassionate legal analysis so that compensation for medical expenses, loss of companionship, and support can be awarded to those that have lost the loved ones. This compensation often goes to the surviving spouse or children. Many times this is set up through a structured annuity that pays settlement funds out over time to support the victims family.

As a wrongful death lawyer, Robert Hahn can explain the best strategies for getting fair compensation from all negligent parties.

Types of Motorcycle Crash Claims

Most motorcycle crashes are caused by another individual not paying attention to their surroundings or driving negligently. All it takes is a simple failure to check a blind spot when changing lanes or texting and a motorcyclist can be overlooked. These types of accidents usually have more severe injuries because the riders do not have the same protections as a person riding in a car or truck.

We are ready to assist with a variety of accidents, including:

• Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash
• Multiple-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash
• Motorcycle Drunk Driving Injury
• Motorcycle Malfunction
• Motorcycle Wrongful Death
• Permanent Disability from a Motorcycle Accident

Understanding Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Claims

For an injured motorcycle rider to have grounds for a lawsuit, they must be able to prove the driver of the vehicle was wholly or partially responsible for causing the accident. To make a motorcycle accident claim, the injured victim will need to prove that:

• The driver of the car or truck had a duty to drive safely
• The driver of the car or truck breached that duty
• The bicycle rider was injured or harmed
• That the breach of duty was the proximate cause of the motorcycle riders injuries or damages

Aside from motorists, motorcycle riders can encounter other dangers. The government has a duty to maintain the areas traveled by motorcycle riders and could be responsible if you’re injured due to an uneven or bumpy road condition. Even private property owners who invite motorcycles to ride through their properties have a duty to maintain a safe riding area. A good example is keeping speed bumps painted yellow as a warning to riders. It’s important to consult a knowledgeable attorney to determine what rights you may have and who could be liable for your injuries following a motorcycle accident.

Negligence and Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes

Even a responsible biker can lose control of their cycle in certain conditions. Crashes can also be caused by street defects and other factors that even a cautious biker cannot always avoid. In these cases, the accident is not the biker’s fault, and they should not have to suffer from the many costs related to a severe injury.

This firm is experienced with single-vehicle motorcycle crashes and may be able to help you if you have been hurt by:

• Roadway Defects
• Mechanical Malfunctions

Manufacturer Negligence

Like all manufacturers, companies that produce motorcycle components or equipment are held to the standard of strict liability. That means they can be liable for failing to make a safe product, even if they were not intentionally negligent. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a motorcycle defect, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This type of claim may become a products liability claim.

Examples of these types of claims come from the following:

• A faulty helmet or other safety equipment
• Malfunctioning brakes
• A poorly designed or built engine that freezes too easily
• An engine defect that caused a fire
• Defective motorcycle wheels

Who’s Responsible for The Accident?

The issue of who’s responsible would need to be analyzed on a case by case basis. The person who’s legally responsible for causing the accident will be the one responsible for paying the damages. Sometimes it’s very clear who the responsible party is, and there are times that it’s contested and evidence is used to demonstrate who the responsible party is. Therefore it’s always a good idea to get an injury lawyer involved in a case as early as possible to gather evidence, make the claim, and take the first steps in the right direction.

Steps Motorcyclists Should Take After an Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident it’s important to follow some basic steps in the minutes and days following the incident. To learn more about the steps below read 10 Steps You Should Take After an Automobile Accident.

1. Stop Your Vehicle
2. Check yourself for Injuries
3. Check on the wellbeing of others
4. Determine if you need to call the police
5. Do not Implicate Yourself
6. Exchange insurance and contact information
7. Document your experience and gather evidence
8. Track Expenses
9. Notify your insurer and start the claims process
10. Contact a personal injury attorney

Watch What You Say

Be careful what you say when filing an insurance claim, even if you’re speaking to your insurance company. Insurance companies are not on your side and will look for any opportunity to devalue or deny your claim. The very people who are insuring you and who agree to pay you in the event of an accident are also the people who review your claim to see if you have grounds to recover compensation. It’s always best to have very limited conversations with the insurance company and let your attorney discuss any issues with them for you—that way you will be protected.

To learn more read our articles on the 8 Things You Should Know About Insurance Companies and Notifying Your Insurance Company of An Automobile Accident.