by Kristen Furia

Created on: December 17, 2008   Last Updated: December 30, 2008

Motorcyclists face the danger of not being seen by drivers of motor vehicles each time they ride. Most motorcycle riders are aware of the traffic around them and remain alert for signs that motorists are unaware of their presence. Unfortunately this does not prevent every accident from occurring and the results of a motorcycle collision with a motor vehicle are often physically disabling or even fatal for the motorcycle rider.

The Department of Transportation reported its highest number of motorcycle fatalities in 2007 when reaching 5,154 deaths. Statistics gathered for a study by the University of California showed that approximately three-fourths of accidents on motorcycles involved a collision with a motor vehicle. It was also found that two-thirds of those accidents were found to be the fault of the person operating the motor vehicle. In the majority of these cases, the driver of the motor vehicle failed to see the oncoming motorcyclist until it was too late to avoid a collision.

Weather does not prove to be much of a factor in most motorcycle collisions. It is the visibility problem that is causing the majority of these accidents. The most common scene of an accident occurs when a motor vehicle is making a left-hand turn across traffic. The operators of the vehicles do not see the oncoming motorcycle and pull out prematurely, not allowing the rider enough time to react. In this type of collision, the motorcyclist usually sustains severe and often fatal injuries. It is most often the person driving the vehicle that is making the left-hand turn that is found to be at fault. Of course there are exceptions made if the motorcycle that was traveling straight was driving at a high rate of speed or ran a red light or stop sign.

It is imperative to seek legal representation as soon as possible after any accident. The insurance companies of both parties involved will use investigators to determine who was at fault. You will need an experienced legal attorney to oversee this process to ensure that a fair settlement is achieved. Without legal representation to ensure your rights, the insurance company involved may try to avoid providing total, if any, coverage to save money. They may use prejudice beliefs that motor cycle riders are often reckless, and therefore must be at fault, to their advantage. Some insurance companies may try to offer up a quick settlement that could be very tempting for many people to accept. This is another attempt to save money on their part

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>