Motorcycle Accidents Are Often Caused By The Car Driver’s Negligence
Motorcycle accidents are generally caused by the negligence of another driver. While nearly a quarter of motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents, and nearly 66% of those accidents are attributable to an error made by the motorcycle operator, the vast majority of accidents involve a passenger vehicle and are caused by the negligence of the vehicle’s operator.
The Car Did Not See The Motorcycle
The primary cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of the car’s driver to see the motorcyclist. The failure to see what a reasonably prudent driver should have seen, and which causes a motorcycle accident constitutes negligence on the part of the driver. Even if the driver did not see the motorcyclist, the driver is responsible for seeing what a driver of ordinary care should have seen. In practice, the driver often fails to see the motorcyclist before the collision or only detects the motorcyclist when it is too late to avoid the collision. In that case, the driver may not have been exercising the required vigilance a non-negligent driver would have exercised, and may therefore be liable to the injured motorcyclist for damages.
Another cause of the car not seeing the motorcyclist is glare or obstructed view due to other vehicles. In these instances, the facts will drive the inquiry as to whether the car’s driver was negligent and therefore liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Motorcycle Only Injury Due To Rider Error
Sometimes motorcyclists make mistakes. The majority of accidents involving only the motorcycle are due to rider error. The leading manifestations of rider error is sliding out or falling. When these motorcycle-only accidents occur the rider is usually taking a turn at excessive speed or braking too much.
Car Turned Left At An Intersection
The car is attempting to turn left at an intersection but must yield to through traffic. The car is looking straight ahead, believes the path to be clear, and starts to turn left. While the car is turning left it hits a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist had the right of way but the car’s driver simply did not see the motorcyclist. In such an instance, the driver is most likely negligent and liable to the motorcyclist in a personal injury lawsuit.