Many motorcyclists enjoy a combination of street riding and off-roading activities on trails. From dirt bikers to regular riders, there is an abundance of motorcycling enthusiasts who ride the roads frequently. However, while riding is a lot of fun, there is a real risk of collisions with other vehicles. When that happens, you can sustain severe injuries, leading to expensive medical bills and other losses.
Our Farmington motorcycle accident lawyers could help you pursue compensation to cover all your damages, including hospital expenses and lost wages. Reach out to Singleton Schreiber, LLP, to begin working with a skilled personal injury attorney today.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Dangerous?
Bike crashes are very high-risk because the vehicle has no protective barriers or buffers, so motorcyclists are often struck directly during a collision. As a result, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries.
The Department of Transportation reports that motorcyclists are five times more likely to be severely harmed and have a 27 percent chance of being killed in a motorcycle accident because they take a direct hit.
Motorcyclists are also more vulnerable to ejection from their bikes during a collision. Additionally, driver blindness typically contributes to a much worse outcome for bikers.
As an attorney could discuss, contributors to motorcycle wrecks in Farmington may include:
- Excessive speeding
- Drivers failing to yield
- Tailgating and other reckless actions
- Adverse road conditions
When motorcyclists crash, they tend to suffer devastating injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, multiple bone fractures, severe road rash, and joint dislocations.
Motorcycle Traffic Laws for Rider Safety
A crucial part of a motorcycle injury claim is the rider’s adherence to the state's traffic laws. For reference, these include:
- Underage riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved FMVSS No. 218 helmet while riding
- Motorcyclists must have a valid class M license with a W, Y, or Z endorsement
- Riders must have adequate eye protection if their bike has no windshield
- Lane splitting is prohibited
- Lane sharing with a max of two bikes riding abreast is allowed
- Overtaking or passing a vehicle in the same lane is prohibited
- Bikers must have their headlights on at all times, even during the day
Insurance companies tend to scrutinize a motorcyclist’s compliance with these laws when reviewing injury claims. Working with an experienced lawyer after a motorcycle collision in Farmington could help counter the insurer's arguments when it is exploring ways to deny your claim.
Determining Who Is Liable in a Bike Crash Injury Claim
To assign fault and determine who to hold responsible, insurers and lawyers must prove the elements of negligence: duty, breach, cause-in-fact, damages, and harm.
Your attorney must establish that the at-fault person failed in their duty to practice reasonable safety on the roadway, thus causing your Farmington motorcycle crash that led to significant harm and damage.
Once we have established fault, we could file an injury claim or lawsuit against all liable parties. While liability often lies with the person who caused the crash—such as a driver, pedestrian, cyclist, trucker, or municipality—third parties may also share fault.
Call a Farmington Attorney To Discuss Your Motorcycle Crash
If you suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation and justice. Our legal team can help you navigate this difficult period of your life.
Work with an experienced Farmington motorcycle accident lawyer for useful insights, representation of your best interests, and a fair settlement. Call now for a free case evaluation.
