Motorcycle Accident Claims: Standing Up for Riders

Motorcycles are as much a symbol of freedom as West Virginia’s country roads.  Unfortunately, even the best riders are at risk. 

Even though there are around 50,000 motorcycles registered in West Virginia, motorcyclists are often still subjected to bias and unfair stereotypes that riding a motorcycle entails a higher level of danger than other vehicles. 

Bottom Line: If you are hurt in a wreck that isn’t your fault, you have a right to full compensation for your injuries.

The vast majority of motorcycle crashes occur because of the actions and inattentiveness of motor vehicle drivers.  

In 2019, there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in the U.S., a decrease from 2018 (5,038). Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14% of the total highway fatalities nationwide that year. In West Virginia, motorcyclist deaths accounted for 11% of the total roadway fatalities in 2019.

https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/The-West-Virginia-Governor%E2%80%99s-Highway-Safety-Program-reminds-drivers-Share-the-Road-with-Motorcycles.aspx 

Driver neglect takes many forms: 

• Unsafe lane change – A risky lane change by a motorist is potentially deadly for an innocent motorcycle rider.  Automobile drivers should always look around, check their mirrors and blind spots, and signal their intent to turn before changing lanes. 

• Failure to yield – Motorcycle accidents commonly occur at intersections, especially when drivers of passenger vehicles fail to see riders and fail to yield to their right of way. Failure-to-yield accidents are particularly common at unprotected right turns and on unprotected left turns. In fact, left-turn accidents are the most common type of collision involving motorcycles and cars.  

• Distracted driving – Driver distraction is a deadly threat to a motorcyclist.  A driver who chooses to text or use a cell phone puts lives at risk.

• Intoxicated driving – Drunk and drug-abusing drivers are hazardous to every other motorist on the road and create a particularly high risk of injury and death for innocent riders. 

  
  

When someone causes an accident while you’re riding, we can help.  Our trusted motorcycle accident lawyers will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.