Road Hazards That Might Cause a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles face a unique set of hazards on the road. Because they aren’t as bulky or heavy as cars and travel on two or three wheels, it’s easier for motorcycles to get unbalanced from other vehicles or obstacles in their path.

Motorcyclists should be aware of these hazards, and if you’ve encountered them during an accident, contact a lawyer to find out if they can help you get compensation for your injuries.

Common Road Hazards a Motorcyclist May Encounter

Debris on the road

Debris is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. The debris can include any object that’s left on the road, such as glass, metal cans, or pieces of scrap metal from construction sites or industrial areas.

If a piece of debris is large enough, it can cause significant damage to the motorcycle and even injure its rider. Motorcyclists should be aware of their surroundings and look for any objects on the road before entering into traffic.

If you see something like this in front of you while driving, don’t stop your bike—stay focused and try to avoid it without braking too much or having to swerve suddenly and leave your lane at high speed. If possible, slow down before hitting the object so that it will do less damage to both yourself and your bike if something breaks off as a result (and don’t forget: wear protective gear).

And if an accident occurs because of this type of hazard on the highway, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation.

Check yourself, your bike, and any other vehicles involved for injuries and damage, then call 911 if anyone is hurt. If no one is injured, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the incident if possible.

Distracted drivers

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Distractions include eating, talking on the phone, texting, and using a navigation system.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can be a significant hazard for motorcyclists. Rain, snow, and fog make it more challenging to see other vehicles and make it more difficult for motorists to see you. If there isn’t enough visibility for drivers or passengers inside their car, this will also impact how well they can spot motorcycles on the road ahead of them.

Motorcycles should deal with these conditions as best they can; however, in some cases, it might be better not to ride than risk getting into an accident because a car couldn’t see you until it was too late!

Motorcyclists can improve their visibility by wearing high-visibility clothing and bright-colored gear.

Faulty parts on trucks or cars

You may have been in an accident because of a faulty part on someone else’s vehicle. Faulty parts can result from poor construction or design defects or fail over time due to wear and tear or heat, cold, and moisture exposure.

For example, did someone else’s truck tires blow out and send them into your path? You might be able to recover damages if the accident was due to faulty parts on other vehicles.

Uneven pavement, raised seams, or railroad tracks

Uneven pavement or raised seams can cause instability on a motorcycle. This is especially true when the road is wet and slippery, making it challenging to maintain balance and control your bike. The same is true for railroad tracks, which can be very slick in rainy weather.

If you travel too fast and hit an object that causes you to lose control of your motorcycle, the results can be devastating. Motorcyclists who travel at high speeds may not see these issues until it’s too late to avoid them. For this reason, it’s essential to slow down when you see these hazards ahead.

Reckless or negligent drivers

Reckless or negligent drivers are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. These drivers might be distracted, drunk, or on drugs during the accident. They may be speeding and not paying attention to their surroundings. They may also drive aggressively.

Other drivers on the road can be a significant cause of motorcycle accidents. If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle operated under the influence, there is usually no question about who caused the crash.

If you’ve been in an incident caused by a reckless driver — whether or not they intended harm — then chances are pretty good that you can hold them accountable for the damages you’ve suffered. However, the result is different depending on the state where you live.

Since Alabama is a fault-based state, you must prove that the other driver was at fault to receive compensation. If you cannot prove liability, there is no legal basis for a claim. You’ll have to hire an attorney to build a case against them and present evidence at trial.

For states like Florida that are no-fault states, you can file a claim for to have your medical bills and lost wages paid without proving that the other driver was at fault for your PIP benefits. However, to get compensation for medical bills and lost wages above your PIP benefits for for pain and suffering and emotional and mental distress, you will have to prove liability. You should hire a lawyer to help you.

Who Is at Fault for Negligent Road Conditions and Hazards That Cause a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re traveling on a road that has a hazard or defect and you hit the object causing your crash, the person responsible for maintaining that section of the roadway will likely be found liable. This is because they had a duty to ensure it was safe for use by motorists and motorcyclists alike.

If you can prove that the road condition was a hazard and that it caused your crash, this may be enough to hold the responsible party liable for damages.

Contact Stevenson Klotz If Road Hazards Caused Your Motorcycle Accident

Before you ride, check your bike for any problems and ensure you have a good spare tire. Keep an eye out for weather conditions and other vehicles on the road, and get to know your rights if you get injured in a motorcycle accident.

If the above road hazards lead to an injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To discuss your case, contact Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers at 850-444-0000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.