How Motorcycle Accidents Are Investigated
Folsom is a great area for those who like being outdoors enjoying the beautiful scenery, but a motorcycle accident can happen if a negligent driver comes along the way. Riders face the same problems everywhere, the driver who pulls out in front of a bike, an unexpected patch of gravel in the road and the Sunday driver they come up behind who’s driving 40 mph on a 55 mph road. One minute, the rider is enjoying his ride and the next, he has crashed and suffered injuries. However, motorcycle riders have the same rights as others on the roadway. When the accident injury is caused by negligence, they may place a claim for compensation against the at-fault party.
A Motorcycle Rider Is More Vulnerable on the Road
Most of the vehicles on the road are passenger cars and trucks, which makes it a problem for Folsom motorcycle riders. More than 5,000 motorcycle riders and their passengers died in traffic accidents in 2017, and many of them were caused by negligent motorists or truck drivers. The number of fatalities is more than double that of 1997, according to statistics by the National Safety Council.
Motorcycle Riders Account for a High Number of Fatalities
While you might think that there are more riders on the roadways, and that is certainly true, there are also more motor vehicles. Only 3 percent of all the vehicles registered around the country are motorcycles, which account for 0.6 percent of the miles traveled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Yet, in 2017, motorcycle riders made up 14 percent of the traffic fatalities around the country.
Being Proactive
To avoid liability and stay safer while out riding and avoid a motorcycle accident, riders have to be proactive. Although it won’t entirely stop motorcycle collisions, it can help lower the numbers. Wearing a Department of Transportation approved helmet is an excellent start as well as ensuring that the motorcycle is in good condition. Protective gear is available that can be helpful, and some motorcycle jackets are equipped with airbags.
Investigating a Motorcycle Accident
Many times, the motorcyclist is blamed for causing an accident, but most accidents are caused by the drivers of motor vehicles. This is why it’s a good idea to enlist the help of an attorney experienced in handling a motorcycle accident to obtain the compensation you deserve. We begin by collecting the evidence needed to support your claim by using investigators. The investigators go to the accident site quickly to collect evidence before it is covered up or disappears once the site is cleared and traffic is moving again. Other forms of evidence include:
- Investigators check for a malfunction in the motorcycle, such as brakes that seize up, which can indicate a defect. In these cases, the company and others may be held liable through a product liability claim.
- The police report is reviewed for mistakes, and witnesses to the motorcycle accident are interviewed.
- Accident reconstruction is performed, which indicates the positioning of the involved vehicles and can indicate some forms of driver error such as speeding or distracted driving.
- Traffic surveillance cameras are sought as well as those from nearby businesses that may have captured the motorcycle accident on tape.
- The investigators look for signs of poor road maintenance in the area such as gravel, potholes, obscured signs and others. If this was the cause of the accident, the government entity that is responsible for the road’s upkeep may be liable.
After the evidence has been gathered, our lawyers take over to build a robust case for our client. It can either be utilized when negotiating with the insurance company on the plaintiff’s behalf or in conducting a case to present in civil court.
Folsom Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Folsom motorcycle accident attorney. When your motorcycle accident injuries are caused by a negligent motorist or entity, you might be able to place a claim for compensation. I am here to offer you my free and friendly advice when you call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I also offer an online form to get in touch.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Forum as well as the Top 1 Percent, among other groups.
Find out more information about my firm at:
I’ve helped Folsom residents to obtain accident injury compensation for over 38 years, including cases involving wrongful deaths, traffic collisions, traumatic injuries and many other types of claims.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/motocross-landscape-nature-tree-3165228/
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