Few experiences are more liberating than riding a motorcycle on the open road. On a warm, sunny Spring morning, with a light breeze and clear skies, there is no greater feeling. Motorcycle rides should be enjoyable experiences. However, that ideal is sometimes shattered due to the negligence of others on the road. In some ways, motorcyclists assume unique risks while riding. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party, then you may be entitled to compensation. Continue to read this blog to get a sense of what your rights are and which steps to follow in order to successfully pursue justice.
The Unique Dangers Facing Motorcyclists
As anyone who has ridden a motorcycle knows, there are unique thrills and challenges facing those who engage in the activity. In terms of dangers, some include:
- “Minor” road fluctuations: For those driving cars, many would not even notice uneven pavement, pot-holes, and gravel unless they were closely paying attention or they played some role in causing a driver to lose control around a bend, for instance. For motorcyclists, these imperfections in the road surface can be life-threatening. If a construction crew or city government has failed to warn or protect motorcyclists from these dangers, then they may be held liable in a court of law.
- Visibility: Motorcyclists everywhere are aware that at crucial times while navigating the road, they are somehow dangerously invisible to other drivers. This is especially true in highway situations where a motorcyclist may be attempting to pass a car or truck in the left lane. If a motor vehicle operator fails to effectively use his or her review mirrors, then the consequences can be tragic for the motorcyclist. Indeed, two-thirds of all accidents involving motorcycles were caused by the driver of another vehicle’s failure to respect the motorcyclist’s right to the road.
- Vehicle malfunctions: An accident may be caused by defective hardware, not user error. In some cases, the motorcycle’s malfunction will not manifest until the vehicle reaches high speeds. These cases can be especially dangerous because they almost always catch the rider off-guard.
Different Forms of Liability
Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to perish in an accident, as compared to those riding in cars. Additionally, they are five times as likely to be injured in accidents. That is a tremendous disparity. It speaks to the responsibility each driver has to protect the rights and the health of all drivers and riders on the road. In addition to the tragedy of death, motorcycle accidents can also lead to:
- Paralysis
- Permanent Disability
- Whip-lash
- Road-rash
Each one of these consequences can be life-altering. Some cases may involve criminal charges, like vehicular manslaughter or reckless endangerment. In these cases, the perpetrator may face jail time or significant fines. If, however, you have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another and wish to pursue justice through the civil courts, you may be entitled to compensation. Juries and judges that hear civil cases may award damages to those victims that will pay for any number of things, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
As you can see, motorcyclists face unique challenges when navigating the road and face greater risks of personal injury and death when accidents occur. The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who were not prepared to share the road with these two-wheeled counterparts. When drivers become more aware of the dangers and challenges associated with operating a motorcycle, then the road will become a safer place for everyone. For experienced and aggressive counsel, call the motorcycle accident lawyers at Schneider Hammers today. Your pursuit of justice deserves the exceptional counsel that our team can provide.
