Unlike vehicles that are typically unaffected by wet pavement, small objects, uneven road surfaces, and debris, these road hazards can cause severe and sometimes fatal motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists should have a solid understanding of what constitutes a hazard, be alert for these dangers, and take the appropriate precautions to avoid them. If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident due to a road hazard, he or she may be eligible to recover damages for his or her condition under negligence law.
Common Motorcycle Road Hazards
Motorcyclists may encounter more hazards on the road than passenger vehicles and semi-trucks. Bikers should not automatically assume that simply because they have been operating a vehicle for years that they know what is dangerous while on a motorcycle. Here are some of the most common motorcycle road hazards of which motorcyclists should be aware: 1. Gravel on pavement: Gravel is arguably one of the most difficult hazards for motorcyclists to navigate, particularly if a motorcyclist is turning a corner. Unfortunately, gravel roads tend to be more common on winding streets that are popular with bikers. Accidents caused by gravel often occur due to motorcyclists speeding and attempting to turn too quickly. 2. Rough roads: Bumpy and rough roads, either from resurfacing efforts, construction work, or disrepair, can often cause motorcycle accidents if the rider fails to slow down. In many cases, a biker may attempt to swerve around bumps and unexpectedly hit a manhole or other road defect, causing him or her to lose control of the motorcycle. 3. Slick surfaces: Anti-freeze, oil, leaves, trolley tracks, crosswalk lines, and other painted surfaces can become very slippery, particularly when wet. The list of surfaces and objects that have the potential to become slippery is long, and these types of roads are much more dangerous for motorcycles than for vehicles. The smaller, lighter size and unstable nature of a two-wheeled bike mean that sliding on the road can likely cause an accident, especially if the biker is turning. 4. Objects or debris in the road: Rocks, branches, parts of tire treads, and objects that have fallen from trucks such as boxes, tools, or furniture are also more hazardous to motorcycles than vehicles. Not only can a crash occur, but these objects can potentially hit and seriously harm the motorcyclist.
Who is Responsible for a Road Hazard Motorcycle Accident?
Whether an injured motorcyclist is entitled to recover damages for medical expenses and other losses depends on why the hazard was there, the type of hazard, and whether an individual or party should or could have eliminated the hazard. Additionally, the behavior of other drivers, the behavior of the motorcyclist, and other factors may help a personal injury attorney to determine if a victim has a viable case.
Typically, these personal injury claims are governed by the law of negligence. If an individual or entity is proven to be negligent, it means that individual has behaved in an irresponsible, careless, or thoughtless manner that subsequently caused injury or harm to another person. In road hazard accidents, negligent parties may include public entities such as the agency responsible for maintaining the roadway, private businesses, or individuals.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and believe that the incident resulted from a road hazard, please contact the experienced motorcycle accidentlawyers at the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys today. Our attorneys specialize in all types of personal injury claims and represent victims who have been adversely affected due to the fault or negligence of another. To learn more about your legal options and to determine whether you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, please call us today at (800) 222-8163.