Common Road Dangers For Motorcyclists
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles only make up 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the United States but represent 14% of the vehicles involved in annual traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists are about 24 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than occupants in a passenger vehicle, based on the miles traveled.
One reason motorcycle accidents are more common is that motorcyclists face many more road dangers than other motorists. Motorcycles are lower to the ground, and two tires have less traction than four. These factors can make them more likely to be involved in a serious accident if they encounter a road danger.
Here are some common road dangers for motorcyclists and information about how you can file a motorcycle accident claim if you are hurt because of them. Contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver, Colorado, for a free case review.
How Our Denver Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident Caused By a Road Danger
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a road danger in Denver, CO, you might be confused about your legal rights and options for recovering compensation.
Our experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyers can help with your claim by:
- Reviewing your case for free and discussing your legal options
- Investigating whether a government entity, private company, or other party is legally responsible for your accident
- Documenting the full extent of your damages, including costs for future medical expenses and reductions in long-term earning capacity
- Handling communications with the insurance companies and other parties involved in your case
- Negotiating for maximum compensation for your claim
Zaner Harden Law has decades of combined experience. We have been recognized as 5280 Magazine’s Top Lawyers in Denver, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Super Lawyers. Our relentless pursuit of justice has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our deserving clients. Contact us today for a free case assessment to discuss how our Denver personal injury attorneys can help with your particular case.
Common Road Dangers Motorcyclists Should Be Aware of
Here are some of the most common road dangers that contribute to motorcycle accidents:
Debris on the Roadway
Debris that accumulates on the road can be a deadly hazard for motorcyclists. This could include old tire treads, trash, cargo that fell off a vehicle, or litter. Motorcyclists who encounter this roadside debris may try to avoid it and wind up falling off the bike. Or, they could run into the debris and be ejected from their motorcycle.
Sharp Turns
Motorcycles are more difficult to handle than passenger vehicles. If a motorcyclist takes a sharp turn a bit too fast, they can lose control of the vehicle and wind up seriously injured or killed. Also, motorists traveling in the opposite direction may veer into the motorcyclist’s lane.
Potholes
Potholes form on roads that are not properly maintained. Motorcycle tires can get lodged in potholes, resulting in the rider losing control and ejection.
Defective Road Designs
Defective road designs can also pose a danger to motorcyclists.
Examples of defective road designs may include:
- Sudden drop-offs
- Sharp curves
- Unexpected slopes and dips
- View obstructions
- Missing guardrails
When motorcyclists cannot anticipate these dangers, motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur.
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel can cause issues with a tire’s traction, leading to the potential loss of vehicle control.
Inclement Weather
According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather is a factor in 21% of motor vehicle crashes each year. Weather can make driving more difficult for all drivers. It can reduce visibility, reduce the ability to brake, limit tire traction, and adversely affect a vehicle’s functions. These effects are even more profound for motorcycles.
Additionally, motorcyclists are more likely to be seriously injured if an accident does occur. They lack the protection of a metal frame and safety features like a seatbelt and airbags.
Who Could Be Responsible For a Motorcycle Accident Caused By a Road Danger in Denver, CO?
While most motor vehicle accidents are caused by another motorist, motorcycle accidents involving road dangers may be caused by other parties.
For example, some of the parties who may be responsible for these types of crashes could include:
- State and local government entities who are responsible for designing and/or maintaining the roadway
- Trucking companies and truck drivers responsible for carrying cargo that fell off a truck and into the roadway
- Cargo-loading companies that negligently load vehicles
- Manufacturers that make defective products that contribute to the accident, such as makers of faulty traffic lights or brake systems that lock up
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Learn About Your Legal Rights and Options When You Contact Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys For a Free Consultation
If another party’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident injuries, you have rights. Zaner Harden Law can explain them to you during a free case review. Contact us today to learn more.
