Other drivers on the road are responsible for the largest percentage of motorcycle accidents. Studies show that the majority of multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles occur when other motorists fail to see bikers.
You can learn more about the fault for these collisions with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can identify the liable party in your situation if you sustain injuries in a motorcycle collision.
Other motorists cause the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, according to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prioritizing motorcycle safety can minimize the chances of a collision, but many crashes occur simply because other motorists look right past motorcycles.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) backs up the information provided by the NHTSA with a Motorcycle Crash Causation Study. According to this study, primary factors contributing to multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes included:
- Perception failure from other vehicle drivers
- Decision failures from other vehicle drivers
- Decision failures by motorcycle riders
- Reaction failures by motorcycle riders
The first two factors alone account for nearly half of these collisions, making them the most significant overall reasons for these crashes. Drivers may pull out in front of a motorcycle, cut a biker off in an intersection, or change lanes without looking, causing collisions.
You can learn more about who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
Does it Matter Who Causes a Motorcycle Accident?
It’s essential to identify the party responsible for a motorcycle crash because the liable party will likely have to pay for all losses caused by the collision. Therefore, attorneys often move quickly to assess what happened and determine fault.
Who Is At Fault for Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorists cause many deadly motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle crashes are more likely to have fatal results than other collisions because motorcyclists have minimal protection in the event of a crash.
A Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can assess the causes of a fatal motorcycle accident for your family and identify the responsible party. If a lawyer can show that someone else caused the collision, your family may take legal action against the responsible party.
While filing a wrongful death claim cannot bring back a loved one, it can help your family secure a sense of closure and the damages you need to cover the financial pressures you experience.
Motorcyclists Cause Some Accidents in California
Other motorists cause the majority of motorcycle crashes. However, motorcyclists sometimes take actions that cause these collisions. In these situations, the motorcyclists will need to cover the losses caused by the accident.
For example, a lawyer may help you get compensation if a motorcyclist:
- Runs a red light and causes a crash in an intersection
- Tailgates you and causes a rear-end collision
- Swerves across the center line and hits you head-on
You can discuss the specific causes of your crash with an attorney.
How Do You Know Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Lawyers investigate and gather evidence to determine the causes of individual motorcycle accidents. The steps taken in the investigative process will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, in many situations, attorneys focus on:
- Interviewing all eyewitnesses to get official statements
- Acquiring a copy of the police accident report
- Canvassing local businesses to get surveillance footage
- Reviewing pictures taken after the collision
Taking these steps can allow an attorney to identify all parties who contributed to a motorcycle collision.
Can You Help Identify the At-Fault Party?
You can assist your lawyer in identifying the party responsible for a motorcycle accident in some cases. Generally, legal professionals recommend that you:
- Get contact details from all eyewitnesses to the crash
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene
- Write down everything you remember about the collision
- Report the accident to the police
Taking these steps can make it easier for your lawyer to identify the at-fault party and to connect their actions directly to the collision.
The Party Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident May Cover Your Losses
Your lawyer can push the party who caused your crash to pay for your economic and non-economic damages. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive money for your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost pay and reduced earning potential
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and loss of consortium
An attorney can track your specific losses and include them in your claim against the at-fault driver.
Talk to Us About Fault for Your Motorcycle Accident
Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents? Other motorists often cause these crashes, though motorcyclists may also hold responsibility for a collision in California. Our team at Omega Law Group can investigate for you after a crash and identify the liable parties.
We’re ready to assess your situation, build your claim, and help you seek fair compensation. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.