The Motorcycle Lawyers Blog | The Motorcycle Lawyer

When it comes to motorcycle use and accident statistics, most experts agree that the “Hurt Report” is the most comprehensive study and analysis ever performed on the subject. Even though published in 1981, the information and statistical data are still relevant today. It found that motorcyclists are NOT usually at fault in an accident situation.

Conducted by USC Professor Harry Hunt and initiated by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the Hurt Report identified answers to many questions that help shed light on who is usually at fault when these collisions occur.

All of the following information was found within the Hurt Report :

When motorcycles are involved in crashes with another vehicle(s), the other vehicle(s) is found to have violated the biker's right-of-way and be at fault for the collision in more than 66% of those accidents.

Incidents in which other vehicles fail to recognize a motorcyclist in traffic were found to be the leading cause of most motorcycle accidents.

The most common situations resulting in a collision with a motorcycle occur when automobile drivers violate a motorcyclist's right of way by turning left in front of the biker while the biker is trying to go straight.

Intersections are the most likely place for a motorcycle accident to occur.

Most motorcycle accidents occur during short trips and close to the trip's origin.

The majority of motorcycle accidents are suffered by those between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four.

Although many automobile drivers are surprised that automobiles are usually at fault for collisions, motorcyclists are not. Those who ride regularly are well aware that most automobile drivers do not put forth enough effort to help keep motorcyclists safe.

While a cage of steel protects auto drivers, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements, often resulting in brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs. Fatalities among motorcyclists involved in collisions are very high, and many of these collisions could be avoided by an increased effort by auto drivers to check their surroundings before making turns.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in injuries, chances are, they have a right to pursue compensation against the driver who is responsible. Those in this position should contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Motorcycle Attorney Network. Motorcycle law is all we do so, we do it better than anyone else.

Activate our services today by calling 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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Posted in Safety, News by Jason Waechter
Views: 1534

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Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?

March 17th, 2022 at 7:18 am

Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?

When most people hear about a car hitting a motorcycle, they automatically assume the motorcyclist must have been speeding, or zipping through traffic recklessly and without signaling. But the truth is the data shows in the vast majority of collisions involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle (over two-thirds of these types of collisions), the driver of the passenger vehicle is at fault in most motorcycle accidents, usually for failing to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist.

Most motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles occur on highways or at intersections. They often occur in the following situations:

When a driver is making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist (this accounts for 42% of all collisions involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle)

When a driver is changing or merging into the same lane as the motorcyclist

When a driver fails to stop or slow in time at a stop sign or traffic signal

Because motorcycles are much smaller than cars, drivers often think that motorcycles are farther away or moving slower than they are. Therefore, drivers may mistakenly think there is a safe distance between them and a motorcycle to turn or change lanes when there isn’t.

Unfortunately, while we now know that motorcyclists are rarely at fault for their crashes when they involve another passenger vehicle, many insurance adjusters still make the mistake of believing that motorcyclists are always at fault for their accidents.

That means that motorcyclists have to fight an uphill battle to get compensation from an insurance company that already doesn’t believe them before they even file a claim for their injuries after a crash. Because the injuries motorcyclists face after a crash are typically severe, and often fatal, compensation is needed more than ever.

At The Motorcycle Lawyer Network, we don’t let insurance companies continue to unfairly deny the claims of motorcyclists who had nothing to do with their injuries, and we want to make sure injured victims get the maximum amount they are owed. We have successfully defended motorcyclists for over 26 years and give back to the motorcycle community through our outreach programs. Particularly, our Accident Scene Management Class (where one learns basic skills to assist fellow bikers involved in an accident) and our Motorcycle Legal Education Program.

We are a nationwide organization with locations throughout South Carolina including Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, Fort Mill, and Mount Pleasant. Call us today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW

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Posted in News by Jason Waechter
Views: 1549

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What do you do if you witness a motorcycle accident?

February 15th, 2022 at 6:43 am

What do you do if you witness a motorcycle accident?

If you are the witness of a motorcycle crash, stop at the scene and call 911 immediately. The operator will ask about any injuries. You must assume that the rider was injured, even if the rider appears to be fine. Secure the scene as safely as possible, until emergency crews arrive, to prevent further accidents. Do not move the injured rider. Take as many pictures as possible from all angles of the motorcycle, any other vehicles involved, the roadway, any landmarks, or anything else that may help to determine the cause and location. When the police arrive, be sure to tell them exactly what you saw. You may not remember a day later. Was the motorcycle traveling at a safe speed? Was the rider staying within the proper lane? Was there any vehicle that contributed that did not make contact with the motorcycle?

The victim of a motorcycle accident will likely be injured to a point where he will not be able to gather information from witnesses, take pictures or even give an account to police. The victim needs a sound witness to step in and do what is necessary that his incapacitation prevents. Try to locate additional witnesses and get their names and contact information. They may decide to leave before the police arrive. This will be a great help to the victim in the future.

As the witness to a motorcycle accident your account of what took place is critical. The rider may have no memory of the accident at all and will rely on your firsthand information as the cornerstone of his case. Memories may fade away and evidence may disappear along with other witnesses. The pictures that you take and the information that you gather at the scene could be the basis for the plaintiff’s entire case. If you should witness a motorcycle crash, do the right thing and help as much as you can. If you were the victim, would you not want the same?

Jason Waechter, known as The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, has successfully fought for the rights of motorcycle accident victims for over 26 years. His specialized knowledge regarding motorcycle litigation has led to significant settlements awards going into the millions for his clients. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in any city of any state, call him today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW. He has vetted expert motorcycle injury law affiliates throughout the United States.

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Posted in Safety, News by Jason Waechter
Views: 1761

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At what speed do motorcycle accidents happen?

January 15th, 2022 at 5:48 am

At what speed do motorcycle accidents happen?

Believe it or not, there was a study done by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on the question of, “At what speed do motorcycle accidents happen?” It was found that motorcycle accidents can occur at any speed, the worst ones tend to happen at a median speed of 29.8 mph. This slower-than-average speed might surprise many people. Additionally, the average speed at impact is just 21.5 mph and it is not common for motorcyclists to be going over the speed limit.

There is a multitude of other reasons for the cause of a motorcycle accident. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety-Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI), nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2018. This is more than twice the number of fatalities in 1997. It is not a stretch to think many of these accidents likely involved driver error or careless driving.

Motor vehicle drivers who engage in careless or reckless driving can act negligently and cause accidents that have little to do with speed. Situations that can lead to deadly road accidents between motorcyclists and drivers of larger vehicles include those involving drivers who:

Fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists properly
Attempt to pass a motorcycle without clearing enough space first
Change lanes improperly to pass a motorist
Do not see when a motorcyclist is changing lanes
Follow too closely, not giving a motorcycle the proper distance
Misjudge distance and fail to brake in time to stop safely behind a motorcyclist
Are distracted while driving (e.g., texting and driving)
Operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Nod off or fall asleep while operating their vehicle

We’ve been fighting injustice for over 25 years and we continue to win millions for our clients. If you find yourself dealing with the devastating effects of a motorcycle accident, do not try to go it alone and do it yourself. Call and get a free case evaluation and let the specialized motorcycle lawyers at The Motorcycle Lawyer Network do the hard work for you.

Our No-Win-No-Fee Promise means there is never a fee unless we collect money damages for you.

Activate the 877-BIKER-LAW team now.

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