Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycles are iconic and represent the independence and free spirit that is emblematic of who we are as Americans. Motorcyclists, whether everyday riders or weekend warriors, enjoy the thrill, excitement, and freedom that riding gives them. However, as we all know, riding is not without risks. Thousands of motorcycle accidents happen each year across the country, and, unfortunately, many result in serious injuries, and even death. Serious motorcycle accidents occur even when the proper protective clothing and gear are worn and all other precautions are taken. And when injuries occur, it’s important to have a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side.
GKT’s motorcycle accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for those suffering serious injuries in motorcycle wrecks. Our motorcycle accident attorneys proudly represent those injured in accidents throughout West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. We always offer free consultations for all of our motorcycle accident cases and never charge a fee unless we recover on your behalf. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day by calling (304) 845-9750, by Live Chat at GKT.com, or online. Need help? Get help. Get GKT.
Motorcycle Accident Fault
Determining who is at fault in a car accident case is difficult enough. Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident case is even more challenging. One of the main reasons is because motorcycles are more difficult to see on the road than a car or other vehicle. We’ve all heard it before—the driver of the car simply didn’t see the motorcyclist. Did the driver not see the motorcyclist because he or she did not look or because of how the motorcyclist was riding? The answer to that question can mean the difference between having a motorcycle accident case or not. That’s why having the right motorcycle accident lawyer is so important. An experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer, such as those at GKT, can fight for those injured in motorcycle accidents and have the know-how to do it.
Motorcycle Accident Case Types
Like most accidents, motorcycle accident case types run the gamut from simple fender benders to much more serious accidents. However, because motorcycles provide less protection than a car, motorcycle accidents typically result in more frequent and more serious injuries. Below are some of the more common motorcycle accident case types.
Rear-end or “Fender Bender” Motorcycle Accidents
One of the more common motorcycle accident case types, rear-end or fender bender accidents occur when the front end of a car or other vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle. While a fender bender with two cars involved may result in no injuries or only minor injuries, a fender bender involving a motorcycle typically results in much more serious injuries. There’s no secret why. The typical motorcycle is much smaller than a car and does not offer the protection a car would. A frequent cause of fender benders are distracted drivers. When drivers are distracted and don’t take notice of stopped traffic, the results can be deadly, especially for motorcyclists.
Merge Accidents or “Change of Lane” Motorcycle Accidents
Merge or change of lane motorcycle accidents occur when the driver of a car or other vehicle seeks to merge or change lanes and strikes a motorcycle. Similar to fender bender accidents, when two cars are involved, the merge or change of lane accident can result in no injuries or only minor injuries. However, when a motorcycle is involved in this type of accident, the results can be deadly. Again, the typical motorcycle is much smaller than a normal car and offers very little protection in and of itself. A motorcyclist involved in a change of lane accident can be thrown off their bike and suffer very serious injuries resulting in death. Distracted drivers are, again, a common cause of merge or change of lane motorcycle accidents.
Side Collision or “T-Bone” Motorcycle Accidents
Side Collision or T-bone motorcycle accidents occur when the front end of a car or other vehicle collides with the side of a motorcycle or vice versa. T-bone motorcycle accidents sometimes involve left turns into oncoming traffic. Either way, a T-bone accident can result in devastating injuries for a motorcyclist.
T-bone motorcycle accidents usually occur at intersections and involve running red lights or stop signs. If the driver of a car runs a red light and crossed path with a motorcyclist, a T-bone accident can take place. Like other types of motorcycle accident case types, T-bone accidents are often the result of distracted drivers. Alcohol and drug impairment can also be a major cause of T-bone motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Passenger Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents only involve the motorcycle. When there is a single motorcycle accident, the motorcycle driver is usually at fault. If a passenger suffers a motorcycle injury in a single motorcycle accident, he or she may have a case against the driver. An injured motorcycle passenger may be entitled to significant compensation and should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about their options.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycle accidents are caused by any number of different circumstances. It’s no surprise that a great many motorcycle accidents are simply caused by drivers of cars or other vehicles who simply fail to take notice of a motorcyclist. This is not a valid reason or excuse. All drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers and other vehicles on the road, including motorcyclists. The following is a list of some of the more common reasons why a driver of a car or truck may not take notice of a motorcyclist and take the proper precautions to avoid a crash:
- Speeding
- Aggressive lane changing and “cutting off”
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving and texting
- Alcohol and drug impairment
Intersections are dangerous places for motorcyclists. Some of the most serious motorcycle accidents occur when making a left-hand turn at an intersection. The driver of a car may misjudge the speed or distance of a motorcyclist or simply not see the motorcyclist at all.
