Victims of motorcycle accidents endure severe injuries, emotional impact, and substantial financial challenges. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents in York could help protect your rights if a crash occurs.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help. Call Clark & Howell now to discuss your legal options.
Motorcycle accidents often result from negligence, unsafe driving behaviors, or hazardous road conditions. A motorcycle accident lawyer could investigate each cause, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove fault.
Below are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, along with details of how a York attorney could establish negligence in each situation.
Many crashes occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections or while making left turns. Our accident attorneys could utilize traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness testimony to demonstrate that the driver violated traffic laws — including Title 29-A M.R.S. § 2057, which provides that “notwithstanding the light, the operator must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle or pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk” and makes a failure to yield past a yield sign a traffic infraction or criminal offense.
Texting, using navigation apps, or eating behind the wheel causes drivers to overlook motorcycles. We could obtain phone records, dashcam footage, and eyewitness accounts to show the driver’s distraction at the time of the crash.
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Our lawyers could utilize accident reconstruction reports, skid mark analysis, and black box data to demonstrate that the driver was traveling at an unsafe speed.
Tailgating leaves little room to stop in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or comes to a stop. Our accident attorneys could analyze crash dynamics, vehicle damage, and scene evidence to prove the driver failed to maintain a safe following distance.
Alcohol or drug use can impair a driver’s judgment or reduce their perception of risk, greatly increasing their risk of hitting a motorcyclist. Our accident lawyer could use toxicology reports, arrest records, and officer testimony to show the driver was under the influence.
Drivers who fail to check blind spots often collide with motorcyclists. We could use video footage, vehicle positioning, and witness statements to prove the driver made an improper lane change.
Potholes, loose gravel, and missing signage can contribute to motorcycle accidents. In such cases, our attorneys could gather photos, maintenance logs, and expert testimony to hold government entities responsible.
Inexperienced drivers may misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance. For example, a new driver might turn left directly into a rider’s path at a busy intersection. Our accident attorney could examine licensing records, training history, and crash evidence to demonstrate negligence due to inexperience.
Most motorcycle accident lawsuits settle within six to 18 months, though complex cases can extend beyond two years. The timeline depends on several factors, including:
York motorcycle accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed fault, multiple parties, or inadequate settlement offers take longer to resolve, while straightforward claims arising from common driver mistakes, such as tailgating, may settle through pre-litigation negotiations within a few months. However, cases requiring extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or trial preparation demand considerably more time.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to seek compensation. Even so, you could face resistance from insurers attempting to attribute fault to you and hindering your recovery efforts.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers apply their knowledge of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in York to protect your rights. You may depend on us for dedicated legal support after a crash.
Contact us at Clark & Howell now for experienced and trustworthy help and advice.
207-363-5208
207-363-5208