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Riding a motorcycle is one of the greatest joys in life. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, the Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyers at Stone Rose Law can help you demand compensation for the injuries you suffered. Contact us online or call us at (480) 428-2697 for a free case consultation.
Motorcyclists face more dangers than occupants in passenger vehicles. These dangers put them at heightened risk for injury or death. Some dangers include:
Arizona law instructs other motorists that they must allow motorcyclists access to a traffic lane. Motorcyclists are treated the same as passenger vehicles. Despite the law, many motorists do not give motorcyclists the same courtesy as occupants in passenger vehicles. When other motorists do not share the road, motorcyclists must often drive defensively in an attempt to stay safe.
Motorcycles are much smaller than the average passenger vehicle. Many motorists are programmed to only look for other full-size vehicles. When motorists do not see motorcyclists, they can disregard them in traffic and cause serious accidents as a result. This is why many motorcycle accidents occur at an intersection or while a vehicle is turning left. Even if the driver spots the motorcyclist ahead, they may find it more difficult to judge the motorcyclist’s speed and turn in front of them. Due to the way braking a motorcycle works, the motorcyclist may not be able to avoid a collision.
Arizona law only requires operators and passengers under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. However, if a motorcyclist gets in an accident while not wearing a helmet, the consequences can be catastrophic or even fatal. Helmets greatly reduce the likelihood of fatalities. They can also reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive problems and a lifetime of expensive medical bills.
Lane splitting is the act of driving through lanes of traffic, often when traffic is slow moving or cars are parked. However, this practice is not legal. Nor is it legal for motorcyclists to travel more than one motorcycle abreast in a lane. Just as other motorists must drive with only one vehicle in a space at a time, so must motorcyclists, even if their vehicles are much smaller. Despite the dangers of lane splitting and its illegal status, some motorcyclists continue to drive this way.
In addition to facing all of the same dangers as other motorists, motorcyclists face unique dangers, including the possibility of being injured when other motorists park and open their doors to traffic. Motorcyclists may unwittingly be hurt in these types of accidents.
Another danger that motorcyclists face is any abnormality with the roadway. Motorcycles are lower to the ground and do not have as much traction as larger vehicles. This means that problems like uneven surfaces, slippery roadways, debris, and potholes can be dangerous for motorists.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, Stone Rose Law is here to help. We will aggressively pursue the financial competition you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and long-term future. Contact us online or call us today at (480) 428-2697 to initiate your free case review.