Careless drivers are a threat to any motorist they share the road with. These drivers increase the risk of an accident when they drive aggressively or fail to keep a proper lookout for others. The risk of injury can be severe in some collisions, especially for those that involve motorcycles.
When a negligent driver causes a motorcycle wreck, they could face civil liability for any injuries that occur as a result. These injuries could leave you with substantial medical debt or other out-of-pocket costs. A skilled injury attorney from Tittle & Perlmuter could help you pursue a civil lawsuit against the negligent driver to recoup these costs.
If you are living with injuries from a motorcycle wreck, our team could help you maximize your chances of financial recovery. Let a Chardon motorcycle accident lawyer assist you throughout the claims process.
Common Factors in Motorcycle Crashes
Understanding the factors that lead to a motorcycle crash are essential to anyone seeking compensation. While there are countless ways these accidents might occur, certain factors are more likely than others to contribute to a crash. An attorney in Chardon can advise a person involved in a motorcycle accident on how these factors might contribute to their claim for compensation.
One of the most common circumstances that might lead to a motorcycle crash involves left-hand turns. While these turns often carry a degree of risk, motorcycle accidents are common given that they can be more difficult to see. If a careless driver is not paying attention, they could fail to see a rider turning in front of them.
The limited visibility offered by a motorcycle can also increase the risk of a crash with an intoxicated or fatigued driver. While these drivers are a risk to anyone on the roadway, they are more likely to collide with motorcyclists due to their smaller stature. Other potential causes of a motorcycle crash could include:
- Mechanical defects
- Unsafe road conditions
- Speeding motorists
- Aggressive drivers
Any of these factors could lead to a devastating wreck.
Shared Fault in Chardon Claims
When a motorist and a biker collide, it is possible that both parties could share blame for causing the accident. When this occurs, a doctrine known as modified comparative negligence applies.
A plaintiff in a motorcycle crash claim may only recover compensation if they are determined to be 50 percent or less at fault. If a jury decides the plaintiff was more than 50 percent responsible for an accident, the jury is barred from awarding any compensation.
Although a plaintiff can recover monetary damages when they are less than 50 percent at fault, the jury may still not award them the full amount. Instead, the law requires the jury to reduce the damage award in proportion to the plaintiff’s degree of the fault. For example, if a plaintiff is deemed to be 25 percent responsible, they may receive 25 percent less than full damages. A lawyer in Chardon can put their experience to use in fighting for compensation and refuting allegations of comparative fault in a motorcycle collision case.
Speak with a Chardon Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you survived a motorcycle accident, you might be facing a number of hardships. The physical injuries that come with a crash can be debilitating, as is the financial stress of paying for your medical care.
A Chardon motorcycle accident lawyer could assist you in pursuing monetary compensation from the negligent driver who caused your accident. To discuss your claim, schedule an initial case evaluation with Tittle & Perlmuter today.