Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries due to the lack of protection that motorcycles can provide. Since these accidents often result in injury, many individuals have questions regarding the nature of motorcycle accidents. From getting your bike fixed to paying for medical bills, navigating the logistics can be confusing- but it doesn’t have to be. Read on for the most common questions people have about motorcycle accidents.
What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the following common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Head-on collisions with passenger vehicles. This is the leading cause of death for motorcyclists in an accident.
Driving between two lanes of traffic.
A motorcyclist is hit by a car making a left-hand turn.
Collision with a stationary object is the cause of 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities.
Weather or other conditions that create slick roadways.
Alcohol consumption and speeding by either the motorcyclist or another driver.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
The safety of yourself and others should be the first thought after an accident. If you have been thrown from your motorcycle or are on the ground, take a deep breath and a couple of seconds to gather your senses to determine if you have been injured. Some accident victims do not realize they are injured right away, as the shock and adrenaline from the accident can often mask the pain from injuries.
If you believe you are injured, do not move unless it is unsafe to remain where you are. There is a major difference between motorcycle accidents and car accidents, since motorcycles do not have the additional protection and safety features a car provides. If you need to move out of harm’s way, do so carefully and then sit/lie back on the ground until help arrives. If you are too injured to move, make sure someone at the accident scene can deter traffic away from where you are.
If you are uninjured, try to move the motorcycle to the side of the road. Call 911 as soon as possible, even if it there appears to be minimal damage. Exchange insurance information with others involved in the accident, but do not discuss the accident or who may have been at fault. Leave that discussion to the police.
What can I receive compensation for?
Most victims of motorcycle accidents can expect to receive compensation for medical costs, repair costs, loss of income, and possibly pain and suffering. The amount and type of compensation will depend on the nature of the accident and the laws of the state in which the accident occurred.
Who is liable for a motorcycle accident?
Liability in a motorcycle accident is determined just like a regular motor vehicle accident. Every accident is different, and fault is typically determined by the police that are called to the scene. Some states are at-fault states, in which the insurance of the driver who was determined at-fault will be responsible for damages. In no-fault states, each driver’s insurance will cover their own driver’s damages.