Responsibility In a Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident

June 22, 2016 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Responsibility In a Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident In 2015, there were 4295 deaths from motorcycle crashes nationwide. Of these deaths 1797, or 42%, were single vehicle accidents. In other words, there was only the motorcycle involved in the crash. Many single vehicle motorcycle crashes occur due to speeding, reckless driving, alcohol or drugs. However a great many of them are not the fault of the motorcycle rider, but of a third party. It is easy to see that if a motorcycle is approaching an intersection and heading straight and a car makes a left hand turn and the motorcycle strikes the car, that there is apparent fault by the driver of the car. But what if the car forces the motorcycle to swerve and lose control, causing the rider to strike a curb and be thrown? Who is at fault? The driver who has probably driven off? In another situation a motorcycle rider is traveling along a well-traveled four lane road when suddenly he strikes a section of raised pavement and crashes. Is it the cyclists fault for not seeing the section of raised pavement or is it the fault of the government entity in charge of road maintenance? What about debris or liquids spilled onto the highway or lack of warnings regarding soft or rough surfaces? In another case there could be failure of a clutch, brake or steering which could cause the rider to lose control. Most drivers of multiple passenger vehicles would assume that if a motorcycle crash involves only the motorcycle, it was caused by speeding or recklessness on the part of the cyclist. However this is often not the case. Single vehicle motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common include:
  • Being cut off or bumped by another vehicle which flees the scene
  • Striking a pothole, sinkhole, railroad tracks, and soft shoulder or road surfaces; shifted, buckled or cracked pavement.
  • Striking debris in the road such as fallen rocks, branches, trash; car or truck parts from a past accident.
  • Swerving to avoid a pedestrian, bicycle, animal or obstruction
  • Poorly marked construction areas
  • Wet or oily pavement
  • Poorly marked road hazards such as curves or bumps
  • Defective or malfunctioning motorcycle equipment or parts
Any cycle rider who is injured in a Florida single vehicle crash needs to seek the aid of a motorcycle accident attorney if they feel they were injured through the negligence or carelessness of another. In the State of Florida, motorcyclists do not carry personal injury protection and “no fault” insurance laws do not apply. A motorcyclist injured in a solo crash is on the hook to pay for their own medical bills. A qualified motor cycle accident attorney may be able to recover damages from another party responsible for the crash. This third party could include:
  • Another driver
  • The government entity responsible for proper maintenance of the roadway
  • Construction company
  • Motorcycle manufacturer or dealer
  • Motorcycle parts manufacture
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA is an experienced motorcycle accident law firm that has successfully won substantial amounts for victims of motorcycle crashes. Do not assume that you have no recourse if you were in a solo motorcycle accident. Dolman Law will investigate every aspect of the crash including a virtual reconstruction if necessary. We will determine the real liability in the case. If you were injured in a single vehicle motorcycle accident, call Dolman Law for a free evaluation of your case. You may be entitled to a large cash settlement for medical bills, lost income as well as pain and suffering. Call today at 727-451-6900. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-451-6900

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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