How Is Fault Determined After a Motorcycle Accident?
Because motorcycle riders are exposed in a way that car drivers are not, motorcycle riders are vulnerable to injuries in the event of a crash. Recovering from an accident can be extremely stressful, both for the victim and their loved ones.
After an injury, victims need a Bucks County personal injury lawyer to ensure damages can be received.
When Another Party Is Negligent
If a motorcycle injury happens because another person was negligent, they could be the at-fault party. There are a variety of reasons a person would be an at-fault driver, including the following:
- Driving too fast
- Driver did not follow traffic signals
- Failure to check blind spot by driver
- Driver under influence of drugs and alcohol
Get a police report after an accident so there is documentation of what occurred. Police reports can be helpful in determining fault as they include any traffic citations and witness information. Of course, you can collect information from witnesses too, if the police are not collecting it or there is a person they haven’t talked to saw the accident happen.
There are times when establishing who was the at-fault driver can be complex. Sometimes additional interviews and research is needed. A negligent driver or their insurance company may even contest the issue, particularly if the damages are extensive and high financial compensation packages are a possibility.
Inclement weather can also be a factor. When there are poor road conditions, a motorcycle may not have adequate visibility or be unable to remain stable. Plus, if there is debris or construction, a motorcycle can be sent off course much more quickly than a car or truck.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles do not provide the amount of rider protection that a car does. After all, a car has airbags and a sturdy frame surrounding passengers.
Because of this lack of protection, there can be major injuries in the event of an accident, including the following:
- Brain and traumatic head injuries
- Spine and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruises, cuts, and scrapes
Obviously, motorcycle riders who walk away from an accident with only cuts and bruises are often considered lucky. That said, there are many times when the cuts and bruises of a motorcycle accident accompany other injuries that are more severe.
Because the injuries can be severe, medical treatment is typically needed. This can include hospital stays, doctor bills, physical therapy expenses, and more. With a slew of expenses, the driver of the motorcycle should not have to shoulder the financial burden if another party was at fault.
To recover the damages you deserve, you need the help of a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you prove fault. From there, you and your lawyer can assess the damages and pursue a personal injury claim.
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident and suspect the other driver was at fault? Call the lawyers at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. today and learn more about your rights to compensation. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.