Every year in the U.S., thousands of people are injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. Typically, accidents involving motorcycles result in more severe injuries than passenger car accidents because riders are more exposed to the elements and lack the protective surrounding structure that a car has. Most motorcycle accidents – roughly 75 percent – are caused by automobile negligence and are not the fault of the motorcyclist. Because motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries, personal injury awards can be significant.
Drivers’ Duty of Care
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise care on the road for everyone’s safety. This means obeying traffic lights and signals, stopping at stop signs, driving within the speed limit, yielding when necessary, and abstaining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failing in any of these regards can constitute negligence and can make a driver liable in a personal injury lawsuit. Motorcyclists who are injured as a result of a driver’s carelessness can sue the at-fault driver.
For example, if a driver failed to signal or check their blind spot before merging into another lane and, as a result, hit the motorcycle driver, the injured motorcyclist would have the right to sue. Damages for which they would be held liable may include medical bills, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and property damage.
Conversely, a motorcyclist also has a duty of care. If a motorcyclist drives in a careless way, including weaving in and out of traffic, cutting off other drivers, or taking turns too quickly, they could be the ones responsible in the event of an accident.
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