As a biker, you know how much focus and attention it takes to maintain balance while riding your vehicle – and just how dangerous an unexpected road hazard can be. Let’s explore the dangers in detail: the most common motorcycle road hazards, why they’re dangerous, who can be held liable when they lead to accidents, and how to find lawyers for road hazard accidents.
What Hazards Might a Motorcyclist Encounter?
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents involving road hazards include:
- Potholes and gashes in the road surface
- Gravel, dirt, and loose soil on top of the roadway
- Oil patches, fresh paint, and wet leaves
- Rain, snow, and other precipitation
- Debris and objects left in the roadway
- Wild or domestic animals wandering into the roadway
How Do These Hazards Lead to Motorcycle Crashes?
Unsafe roads and items in the roadway pose serious accident risks to all road users, but they are particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. That’s because motorcycles have only two wheels, which gives them less grip on the road surface. Additionally, a motorcyclist has to lean to turn, which can worsen this problem by putting even less of the tire’s surface in contact with the asphalt.
Any of the motorcycle hazards listed above can quickly lead to an accident if they cause a motorcycle to lose traction on the road surface, force a motorcyclist to take evasive action when it’s unsafe, or cause the bike to trip over the hazard and overturn. The result of such an accident is likely to be severe injuries and a damaged or even totaled motorcycle.
Who Is Responsible for Road Hazard Motorcycle Accidents?
If you’ve been involved in one of these bad motorcycle crashes, you’re probably wondering who you can hold accountable for what happened. Depending on the circumstances, this could include:
- Government entities, property owners, and contractors who are responsible for maintaining and repairing the roadway and keeping it clear of hazards
- Construction companies that did not clear up hazards they left in the roadway or provide adequate warning of their presence
- Livestock owners who did not fence in their animals or otherwise prevent them from getting loose near a roadway
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by an unsafe road condition or a hazard that was left in the roadway? If so, you could be entitled to compensation, though securing it could prove difficult. The at-fault party might claim that the accident was an “act of God” or beyond their control. It could take substantial evidence to prove they were to blame.
Fortunately, you do not have to seek justice alone. Instead, let The Thibeaux Firm pursue it on your behalf, at no upfront cost, and for a flat 25% fee if we win. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lafayette road hazard accident attorney, and tell us what happened.
