Especially for new motorcycle riders, that first accident can be a traumatic experience. Not only are you at greater risk of injury as a motorcycle rider, but the incident itself can leave you shaken and confused. One of the key things that you need to determine in the moments after a motorcycle accident is who was at fault. It's not always an easy determination, but knowing that will be the first step toward dealing with your personal injuries and potentially seeking restitution if the other driver was to blame. Here are a few things to be attentive to when you're on the road, which can help you to identify who was to blame.
Were You Splitting Lanes or Weaving?
Splitting lanes, or driving down the road between the two lanes of cars, is illegal in most areas. It's also unsafe. The same applies to weaving between the lanes, slipping between cars in an effort to avoid traffic congestion. If you're weaving between traffic or splitting the lanes when you're hit, there's a chance the accident could be considered your fault.
Were You Speeding?
It's no secret that motorcycles are known for rapid acceleration and power. If you're using that to your advantage to try to circumvent traffic or even just playing around with your bike in traffic, any accident may be considered at least partially your fault. You should always handle your motorcycle respectfully and safely in traffic.
Were You Sitting In A Blind Spot?
One of the things that's taught in every motorcycle safety course is the importance of avoiding blind spots as much as possible. Motorcycles are more likely to fall into a blind spot because of their compact size, and if you are habitually riding in blind spots, you may be found partially at fault for an accident that is the result of the driver not being able to see you.
Was The Other Driver Turning?
If the accident occurred in an intersection where you were going straight and another driver made a left turn and struck you, it's possible that the accident could be the other driver's fault. Motorcycles can be harder to see than other vehicles, and if the driver wasn't attentive enough before turning, they may be held liable.
Did The Driver Change Lanes Aggressively?
If the other driver struck your motorcycle during a lane change, consider the actions leading up to the accident. Did he or she change lanes aggressively? If the driver moved rapidly, failed to signal, or otherwise moved unsafely, that could leave you with a negligence case against them.
Talk with a motorcycle accident attorney at a law firm like The Jaklitsch Law Group about your accident today to see if you may have a case.
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