Whenever you hop on your motorcycle, you assume a certain amount of risk. Riding itself can be dangerous because two-wheeled vehicles can be difficult to maneuver in traffic. They are also hard to see, and unlike most vehicles they don’t offer any kind of “crumple zone” in the event of a collision.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the drivers around you don’t owe you a duty of care. All motorists have an obligation to follow the rules of the road and remain attentive, alert, and unimpaired as long as they’re behind the wheel.
There are other parties that are expected to contribute to road safety, as well. Examples include government agencies, motor carriers, cargo loading companies, and vehicle manufacturers.
In other words, if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, there are a number of parties that could be liable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common culprits:
Motorcycle accidents are often attributed to drunk, drowsy, or distracted drivers. If you were struck by a reckless motorist while following all the rules of the road, you will likely have grounds for a lawsuit against that individual and possibly their insurance carrier directly depending on how the carrier deals with the claim.
Government agencies at both the local and state levels must account for all kinds of street-legal vehicles, from motorcycles to 18-wheelers, when designing their roads. If you were hurt because the road was poorly designed or poorly maintained, a government entity may be to blame.
When a tractor-trailer strikes a motorcyclist, the trucking company is usually at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for any damages their employees cause while carrying out their job duties.
If you ended up in a motorcycle accident because a truck rolled over, the cargo loading company could be deemed responsible. Contractors who load freight onto 18-wheelers must ensure the cargo is both balanced and secured before their job is done. Should they fail to do so, this could result in a devastating roll-over wreck even with no operator error by the truck driver.
Sometimes, defective vehicles—or their parts—cause traffic accidents. Whether you were hurt because your own motorcycle was defective or someone else’s vehicle had a component that was, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the associated manufacturer and product distributor. Faulty brakes, airbags, seat-backs, and compromised tires are a few of the most common defects that can lead to injuries in motor-vehicle collisions.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident by no fault of your own, turn to Hodge & Langley Law Firm for help. With more than 50 years of collective experience in the legal field, our lawyers are well-versed in the many nuances that separate successful claims from those that don’t yield adequate—or any—compensation. To schedule your free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina, call 864-585-3873 to complete our Contact Form.
Submission of information in this contact form does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In order to establish such a relationship with our firm we require a direct meeting with the attorney.
Error Message
