A motorcycle ride offers freedom and connection with the road, unlike any other vehicle. However, This same exposure puts riders in greater danger of serious injuries – especially when road conditions are less than ideal. Surfaces that riders rely upon can cause serious hazards, including uneven pavement and poorly marked construction zones. Poor road conditions are a major factor in many motorcycle accidents, and severe legal ramifications may exist.
Riders looking to protect themselves and receive fair compensation must know how road conditions affect motorcycle accidents. If riding through unpredictable terrain or recovering from an accident, you must know the following.
How Road Conditions Affect Motorcyclist Safety
Motorcycles are less stable than other cars due to their two-wheel design and lighter construction. While a vehicle can glide over potholes with minimal discomfort, a bike can flip or skid. Road hazards can lead to accidents.
- Potholes: They are particularly dangerous when riding a motorcycle, because they can cause it to lose stability or even send the rider flying.
- Loose gravel or Debris: Gravel around curves, broken branches, or sand in the road can lead to tire slippage.
- Uneven Surfaces, Edge Breaks and Other Hazards: A sudden drop in shoulder height or a lane height change can make a rider lose his balance.
- Poor drainage: In cold weather, black ice and standing water can lead to a loss of balance.
- The road markings are faded or absent: It can be difficult to see the lane boundary or warning sign, especially during bad weather or at night.
- Construction Zones: Uncertain signage, sudden lane shifting, and equipment on the road pose risks for riders.
Who Is At Fault When Poor Road Conditions Lead To A Motorcycle Accident?
Determining responsibility in a motorbike accident caused by road defects can be more complex than in an average two-vehicle collision. When there’s no direct involvement of another driver, the focus turns to whether the dangerous road condition was avoidable and if anyone was responsible for rectifying it.
- Government Entities
In many cases, cities, counties, or states are responsible for the maintenance of roads. They could be held liable if they are found to have known about a hazardous situation and not taken action in a reasonable time. Filing a claim against the government usually involves deadlines and strict procedures. Therefore, it is essential to act fast.
- Construction Companies
If a private road construction company fails to warn adequately about their work or maintain a secure working area, they could be liable for any accidents.
- Property Owners
Some road conditions worsen due to drainage or encroaching foliage from nearby private properties. They could also be liable if the negligence of a private property owner causes unsafe road conditions on public roads nearby.
The Role Of An Attorney In Building A Legal Case For A Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle accident attorney in Denver can make an important difference in obtaining compensation for road-hazard injuries. Many of these cases require extensive investigation.
- Photographic and video evidence: Capturing the hazard before it is repaired or taken away.
- Reports from witnesses: These are statements made by other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians (who observed the accident) who were present at the scene.
- Expert Testimony: An engineer or accident reconstruction specialist may be needed to confirm how the road contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance Record: To find out if there are any known hazards that the responsible parties haven’t addressed.
A professional attorney can assist with gathering evidence, handling communications with insurance companies and government agencies, and ensuring deadlines (such as Colorado’s Government Claim Filing Window) are met. Due to the legal complexities and multiple parties involved in these cases, it’s important to have professional representation.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents on roads with hazardous conditions are often tragedies that can be avoided. They highlight the importance of road maintenance and riders’ rights to be safe. If you have been injured because of negligence, you may still be able to sue.
Speaking with a knowledgeable Denver motorcycle accident attorney may help you take aggressive measures to get paid for your injuries and hold the guilty parties accountable. It may be a long road, but with the correct guidance, your recovery does not have to be.