If you are a motorcyclist, you may be eligible for compensation if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver. Below, you will learn some common types of negligent driving and the effects that drunk driving has on motorcycle riders. Find out how to file an insurance claim. Whether you can claim compensation is entirely up to you, but it is certainly worth trying.
Motorcycle accident causes
Almost everyone knows that a drunk driver is a huge risk. Did you know that many motorcycle accidents are caused by drunk drivers. In the United States, an average of one motorcyclist is killed by a drunk driver every 51 minutes. Motorcycles lack any protective features such as seat belts or side panels. This means that in the event of a collision, a motorcycle can easily throw its rider over the side and into another vehicle or a fixed object.
A drunk driver may not be aware of the other motorcycles and passengers, which can lead to a richmond motorcycle accident lawyer. It is also possible for the other rider to not be aware of the drunk driver, which can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. In these cases, the victims or surviving family members may seek compensation for injuries and pain and suffering as a result of the crash. Victims may also sue negligent manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts to recover their injuries.
Statistics show that more than half of all motorcycle crashes are caused by drunk drivers. A drunk driver’s impairment makes it harder for them to see other cars and motorcycles. Drunk drivers are also more likely to disregard speed limits and traffic signals. These factors can cause serious injuries and even death for motorcycle riders. So, what are some ways to avoid being a victim of a drunk driver? Read on to learn more about motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers
Motorcyclists are affected by drunk driving
While drunk drivers are dangerous to all road users, they are especially deadly to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists can become less capable of maintaining a clear head, focusing, and reacting to the dangers around them due to alcohol’s effects. This impairment can cause compromising behavior, which makes the accident more likely. In addition, motorcyclists are harder to see than car drivers, so drunk drivers often swerve into surrounding lanes. Consequently, they lose control of their vehicle, colliding with other motorcyclists.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is a fatality from drunk drivers each 50 minutes in the United States. Motorcycle riders may sustain more injuries than car occupants. A drunk driver is four to five times more likely than a motorcyclist to be involved in a single-vehicle crash. Many times, drunk drivers cause multiple points of impact and throw victims from their motorcycles.
Intoxicated riders may experience impaired judgment as low as 0.01%. This impaired judgment can lead to dangerous behaviors like swerving and cross-lanes. They are more likely to crash than drivers or car passengers because of their lack of inhibition. This lack of inhibition can become habitual. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, first-time DUI motorcycle offenders had ridden 87 times before being arrested. They also did not regularly inspect their bikes for oil, frayed cables, or faulty brakes.
Common forms of negligent driving
There are many types of negligent driving that can lead to a motorcyclist’s injury, and some of these accidents can even be fatal. These negligent drivers often fail to follow basic traffic laws and are therefore liable for any injuries they cause. These negligent drivers may not be aware of their actions, but they are likely to disregard those laws when they are behind the wheel. These drivers also fail to pay attention to the surroundings and are often the cause of accidents involving motorcycles.
A common form of negligent driving that can result in a motorcyclist injury is a driver who fails to yield the right of way. This driver may claim that they did not see the motorcycle, but most car drivers do not look for motorcycles and will prioritize their larger vehicles. Often, this will result in a motorcycle crash, which is devastating and sometimes fatal. In addition to drunk driving, other negligent drivers may include texting while driving and street racing.
Another common form of negligent driving that can result in a motorcyclist injury caused by a drunk driver is the use of a cellphone. Drivers who are distracted may not notice that a motorcycle is close by, and the driver may not react in time to avoid an accident. This can result in a collision with a motorcycle or even a crash that results in severe injuries.
Compensation for motorcycle accident victims
You have the right to claim compensation for motorcycle accident victims who were injured due to the negligence of a drunk driver. In some cases, you might be able to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars. The extent of your injuries can impact your physical, emotional, and sexual life. You should contact a motorcycle accident attorney if you are injured. They can help you navigate the process and file your lawsuit on time.
Many motorcycle accidents involve the driver of the other car being negligent. They might speed through a red light, or not look in their mirrors before turning left. Sometimes, the drunk driver is responsible for hitting the motorcycle and causing it to crash into a car. An attorney can help you get compensation for your injuries, regardless of whether the accident was your fault.
In addition to serious injuries, motorcyclists may suffer internal bleeding, which can result in life-threatening conditions. Severe injuries may require physical therapy and surgery. Road rash, also known as “road burn”, can also be a problem. This is common in motorcycle accidents where the rider slides on the road. Additionally, severe skin injuries can cause scarring and disfigurement.
Occupational hazards of riding a motorcycle
The rider’s body is exposed to much more danger when riding a motorcycle than when driving a car. Motorcycles lack the protection that cars do, and riders tend to be less risk averse than car drivers. Motorcycle riders are more at risk when two vehicles collide than when the car is in its right. Moreover, motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards than cars, such as potholes, puddles, gravel, and snow.
Drivers often fail to pay attention to the road, and their attention can be distracted by other tasks. Distracted drivers can make mistakes while driving that could lead to a crash. Motorcycle riders are no exception. Distracted driving is any activity that distracts from the road. Drivers can be distracted by eating, cell phones, and operating an in-dash or stereo system. Drivers who don’t pay attention can make poor judgment calls when riding alongside motorcycle riders. This includes failing to yield when merging, misjudging distance when changing lanes close to a motorcycle, and tightening turns without enough clearance.
Drunk driving crashes can cause serious injuries to motorcyclists. Since motorcycles are not protected by helmets or other safety equipment, the risk of severe injuries is even greater. In addition to fatalities, motorcycle riders are five times more likely to sustain serious injuries and massive medical expenses in drunk driver accidents. Broken bones, road rash, and even brain injuries are all possible injuries from drunk drivers.
Motorcyclists need to be aware of safety precautions
You should take safety precautions if you are a motorcycle rider to avoid being hurt in a drunk driver’s accident. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by drunk or drug-impaired drivers. This is illegal. You’ve probably been in a drunk driving accident. Thankfully, there are many ways to minimize the chance of being involved in one of these unfortunate events.
Make sure your motorcycle is well-lit. Motorcycles are less visible than cars to motorists, so it is a good idea to ride your motorcycle at night. Even if it’s daylight, you should always keep your headlight on. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and always use your hand signals and turn signals to alert other motorists to your presence. It is important to keep your bike visible so other drivers don’t see you and end up hitting you.
Follow all traffic laws, even if they don’t seem like it. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same traffic rules as all road users, including the speed limit. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic, watch for pedestrians, and stay with the flow of traffic. And always stay sober – these basic safety precautions will save you and other motorists from a drunk driver’s accident.