How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles remain a popular choice for transportation in Canada. With so many motorcycles on the road, accidents do happen, and they can be more dangerous than vehicle crashes.
A recent study of Canadian accidents found that the rate of injury was triple for motorcycle crashes compared with automobile crashes. In the Canadian Medical Association Journal study, researchers found the rate of injury in motorcycle crashes was 2194 injured annually per 100 000 registered motorcycles, compared with the rate of vehicle crashes of 718 injured annually per 100 000 registered automobiles.
That is why a personal injury lawyer is so important when pursuing damages after a motorcycle accident. A reputable lawyer with experience in pursuing personal injury claims in Alberta or wherever you’re located, can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents are vehicle drivers straying from their lane or disobeying the right of way laws, and head-on collisions with other vehicles. These accidents can be especially dangerous and result in deaths. Some other common causes behind motorcycle accidents include:
- Lane splitting: When motorcycle riders cut and weave rapidly in between slower vehicles, this can lead to serious accidents.
- Road rage: When an aggressive driver acts out in anger or frustration, this can cause dangerous accidents.
- Rider error: When a motorcycle rider mishandles it, such as too much braking on the front wheel, this can cause an accident.
- Motorcycle defects: When a motorcycle does not perform properly, due to equipment failure or defective parts, this can result in crashes and injuries to the rider.
- Speeding: Aggressive driving and high speeds create more threats of serious accidents for motorcycles.
- Poor driving conditions: Inclement weather conditions can contribute to accidents.
- Distracted driving: Because motorcycles can be more difficult to see than large vehicles, it is particularly important for vehicle drivers to remain alert. Otherwise, they may not be able to respond quickly enough to avoid an accident.
- Driving under the influence: Many motorcycle accidents occur when vehicle drivers or motorcycle riders drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which reduces the alertness of drivers.
- Unsafe driving: When a motorcycle driver does not follow safety and traffic rules, such as checking their mirrors, this can lead to accidents.
- Road defects: When imperfections exist in road materials, such as potholes and uneven surfaces, this can result in crashes.
Who is responsible for motorcycle accidents?
When drivers start their journey, they accept responsibility for their behavior while driving. They must act with care and in a reasonable manner consistent with the behavior of other drivers in a similar situation, If they don’t, they can be held liable in an accident. Some of the people who can be held accountable in motorcycle accidents include:
- Motorcycle riders: If a rider acts carelessly or negligently, they can be found liable in an accident. That means they can be responsible for payments for injuries, property damage, and other damages.
- The other vehicle’s driver: The same is true for the driver of the other vehicle, who can be found liable if they act recklessly or negligently.
- The motorcycle manufacturer: A defective motorcycle or failed parts can result in an accident, exposing the manufacturer of the motorcycle or parts to a personal injury claim based on negligence and a breach of the duty of care they must provide customers.
- Government jurisdiction: If an accident is the result of faulty road conditions or poor traffic signs, a government entity can be held accountable.
