Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Motor vehicle drivers are most often at fault for motorcycle accidents. Drivers of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motorized vehicles cause collisions with motorcyclists for many reasons. Riders are more challenging to see, and the risk of an accident rises when drivers speed, tailgate, and engage in other dangerous driving behaviors.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a rider, consider hiring a Colorado Springs motorcycle accident lawyer to hold liable parties accountable—whether it is a motor vehicle driver or another party. A lawyer will put your case on solid footing and aid your recovery process.

Drivers Often Cause Motorcycle Accidents, But They’re Not Always at Fault

A study from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that drivers turning left in front of oncoming riders was the most frequent cause of motorcycle accidents. There were several other notable causes related to motor vehicle drivers, including:

• A motorcycle rider having to take evasive maneuvers to avoid another vehicle
• Sideswipe accidents caused by a motor vehicle driver
• Motor vehicle operators making U-turns in front of oncoming riders
• Motor vehicle operators hitting riders head-on

Experienced attorneys know that distracted, impaired, or careless motor vehicle drivers have an increased risk of hitting motor vehicle riders or causing them to take evasive actions that lead to severe injuries. That said, motorists are not always responsible for motorcycle accidents. Other liable parties include:

• Municipalities: Potholes or uneven roadways can disproportionately cause motorcycle riders to crash, while a malfunctioning traffic light can contribute to an accident.
• Motor vehicle manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other parts in motor vehicles can lead to a motorcycle accident. In those cases, the manufacturer of the defective component or vehicle can be liable for the victim’s losses.
• Motorcycle manufacturers: If any defect in a motorcycle causes an accident, an attorney could sue the motorcycle manufacturer for the rider’s damages.
• Pedestrians: If a pedestrian enters the roadway or does anything to cause a motorcycle accident, victims could hold them liable for their damages.

The uncertainty about who may be at fault for a motorcycle accident explains why many injured riders hire attorneys. Your lawyer will quickly investigate your collision and identify who caused it so you can hold them financially responsible for your losses.

How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Prove Fault for Riders’ Injuries

When your attorney investigates your motorcycle accident, they will gather and analyze all evidence that proves who caused the collision. Some particularly telling types of evidence may include:

• Your recollections: Who is more qualified than you to explain how you were injured in the accident? Your attorney will record your account of the accident. While liable parties may claim you are biased, the evidence will likely support your testimony.
• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses to motorcycle accidents are often unbiased and willing to lend their perspective on the collision. Your attorney will obtain any existing witness testimony and interview witnesses themselves.
• Video and photographs: Video of a motorcycle accident can be particularly compelling evidence. Such videos may show precisely how another motorist or liable party caused the accident. Photographs of damage to your motorcycle and other vehicles in the wreck can also indicate how the collision occurred.
• Expert testimony: Experts may provide testimony about who they believe caused the accident and what evidence led them to that conclusion. For example, an expert may reconstruct your accident based on witness accounts and other evidence.

Your lawyer will use this evidence to determine fault. They will also use this evidence to build your insurance claim or lawsuit, as liable parties may argue that you are solely or partially responsible for the crash.

What Else Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Handle for You?

Obtaining evidence and determining blame are just a couple of a motorcycle accident lawyer’s many responsibilities. When hiring your lawyer, you should expect them to manage your claim.

Advise You Throughout Your Case

Let an attorney use their experience and legal knowledge to guide you through your case. They will be transparent and realistic, so you can make decisions that benefit you. 

Document the Cost of the Collision and Injuries You Suffered

Your lawyer will secure all relevant documentation of your losses, which may include:

• Medical records and bills
• Invoices for repairing or replacing your motorcycle
• Experts’ testimony about your pain and suffering
• Income statements showing wages, benefits, and other compensation lost because of the accident

Your attorney will gather clear and detailed documentation for each of your damages.

Deal With Insurance Companies’ Representatives

Insurance companies often try to withhold fair compensation from injured riders. Your lawyer will deal with insurers, so nobody violates your rights or undermines your case.

Maximize Your Settlement

Most insurance companies try to settle right away, before injured riders get a complete picture of their losses. Your lawyer will weigh that offer and fight for a settlement that adequately compensates you for the harm their client caused. Moreover, your attorney will be ready to sue on your behalf if the insurer won’t budge on its offer or engages in bad faith negotiating tactics.

Injured Riders Often Deserve Compensation for These Losses

Every injured rider has unique health challenges and damages, but the majority face:

• Hefty medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Property costs (including the cost of motorcycle damage)

Many firms have Colorado catastrophic injury lawyers who help riders facing truly life-changing injuries. Whatever your situation, a motorcycle accident attorney has likely seen it and stands ready to deal with it.

Call Matlin Injury Law Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Matlin Injury Law is a firm that eagerly answers questions, tailors our approach to our clients’ unique preferences, and spares no expense on our cases. Moreover, we work on contingency, meaning if you don’t get paid, you owe us nothing.

Call our firm today for your free consultation about working with a proven motorcycle accident attorney in your corner of Colorado.