South Dakota is home to a large community of bikers. When the weather is right, crowds of motorcycles hit the road for scenic local rides and cross-country tours. There’s no shortage of opportunities to join in and get riding.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally alone brings in hundreds of thousands of bikers every summer. South Dakota has become a major attraction for local and out-of-state motorcycle enthusiasts.
But anyone who loves to ride knows that motorcycles come with extra risk. From road conditions to aggressive drivers, there are many hazards that pose a serious risk to even the most experienced rider. A motorcycle accident can be devastating physically and financially. But hiring an experienced attorney to defend your rights can make a big difference.
How are Motorcycle Accidents Different?
The average driver doesn’t understand how to safely share the road with motorcycles. Many drivers unknowingly create dangerous scenarios that put motorcycles at risk. Some of the most common errors are following too closely or not checking blind spots. Even worse, some drivers threaten motorcycles by aggressively tailgating or crowding their lane.
While car and truck drivers can rely on air bags, steel frames and other safety features, motorcycles offer little protection in an accident. Motorcycles are more agile, lightweight, and less visible than other vehicles. Unfortunately, this leads to more frequent accidents and more severe injuries for motorcycle riders. And more accidents lead to an unfair reputation as dangerous drivers.
Motorcycle accident claims can be complicated due to the bias they face from the public and insurance companies. Witnesses that don’t know motorcycle road safety might blame the motorcycle by default. Even police responding to a wreck can make quick assumptions that can hurt your claim.
The high number of accidents involving motorcycles make bikers a frequent target for insurance companies. Your own insurance may try to avoid paying your claim without proper investigation. Or the offending vehicle’s insurance company can try to pass blame onto you and off of their client. Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind and you could miss out on fair compensation if you face them alone.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Some road hazards are the same for all types of vehicles, while some are more closely related to motorcycles. But, motorcycle crashes have much more severe outcomes than other vehicle accidents. Even a minor crash resulting in road rash can cause infection and take months or years to heal.
Here are some of the most common causes of accidents involving a motorcycle:
Reckless and distracted drivers
Texting, speeding, and weaving are all reckless driving behaviors that can lead to an accident. And these behaviors can be especially difficult for a victim to prove on their own. We will work relentlessly to gather evidence on your behalf to hold reckless drivers responsible.
Left-hand turns
A large number of motorcycle accidents involve a vehicle trying to make a left-hand turn. Motorcycles are often struck while trying to cross an intersection from the opposite side. This is especially common in the spring when motorcycles first come out of winter storage, as drivers are less used to checking for them.
Drunk drivers
An impaired driver will present a serious risk to everyone on the road. If you are a victim of a drunk driver, there are many legal options available to you. Even in hit-and-run cases where the driver can’t be found, we can work with you to recover damages.
Lane change accidents
Multi-lane and highway accidents involving motorcycles frequently occur while a driver attempts to make a lane change. Failure to check blind spots can result in a motorcycle being pushed off the road or even underneath the offending vehicle.
Rear-end accidents
Drivers often make the mistake of following a motorcycle too closely. Motorcycles can stop much faster than a typical car, which needs more time for braking due to its weight. Following too closely puts the motorcycle at risk of being rear-ended by negligent or aggressive drivers.
Road conditions
The size of a motorcycle can put the rider at risk of an accident from hazards that may not affect a car or truck. Hitting a pothole, oil slick or uneven pavement can throw a biker and cause serious injury. In these cases, the city or state may be at fault for failure to maintain roads.
Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Case
What do the examples of motorcycle accidents above have in common? The motorcycle is usually the victim and the other driver is at fault. This is why it’s so important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with a strong background in personal injury law. We’ve handled many different cases involving bodily injury before and know how to get you fair compensation for your accident.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers are also bikers themselves. We know firsthand what it’s like to ride and the dangers you face on the road. Our personal experience as motorcycle riders leads us to the right questions to ask during investigations to get results. We will get your case moving forward.
When you’re suffering from an injury, the last thing you need is to be hassled by an insurance company. A motorcycle accident attorney is your best asset to deal with insurance companies for you, or represent you in court. We know because we ride.
Been in a Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help
It only takes a split second for you to become the victim in a motorcycle crash. Even if you were lucky enough to walk away from your accident, there can be long term effects on your health that can impact your daily life.
You deserve justice for your motorcycle accident injuries. Let us stand on your behalf. An experienced, aggressive lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve and hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
Book a free consultation today with a motorcycle accident attorney at Alvine Law Firm. We will discuss your unique situation and start working on your case right away. The first meeting is always on us.