The Impact of Road Conditions on Motorcycle Accidents
When you’re riding a motorcycle, you’re far more connected to the road than someone in a car. You can feel every bump, shift, and slide beneath your wheels. So how do road conditions affect motorcycle accidents? And what can you do if the road played a part in your crash?
Here’s what every rider should understand about how road conditions contribute to crashes and how a lawyer can help you hold the right people accountable.
Why Road Conditions Matter More for Motorcyclists
Motorcycles don’t have the stability, weight, or four-wheel grip that cars and trucks do. That means even small hazards in the road can have major consequences for a rider.
Things that may barely rattle a car can send a motorcycle into a skid, cause a loss of control, or lead to a collision. And if those problems with the road overlap with other causes like dangerous drivers, it can make your accident case complex.
Common road hazards that contribute to motorcycle accidents might include:
- Potholes and broken pavement
- Loose gravel or sand, especially on curves
- Uneven or crumbling shoulders
- Poor drainage leading to standing water or ice
- Debris in the road like tree branches, tire pieces, or construction materials
- Worn or missing road markings
- Poorly designed or maintained intersections
In many cases, these hazards don’t actually cause the crash. But they can complicate things and make the injuries and aftermath worse.
Who’s Responsible for Bad Road Conditions?
In some cases, no one is responsible, and it’s just bad luck. But often, the road’s condition is the result of negligence by a city, county, state agency, or even a private contractor responsible for maintenance or construction.
If a public agency knew (or should have known) about a dangerous road hazard and didn’t fix it in a reasonable amount of time, they may be legally responsible for your injuries. Similarly, if a contractor left behind dangerous debris or created an unsafe work zone, they could be held accountable.
But bear in mind, it can be hard to prove liability in these cases. And sometimes they were only part of what caused the crash.
These cases are more complicated than standard accident claims, and you’ll want an experienced personal injury lawyer to investigate so you pursue the right company or individual.
Road Conditions and Comparative Fault
Insurance companies may try to argue that you, the rider, were partially to blame. They may claim you were speeding, riding recklessly, or not paying attention.
In Tennessee, that matters because of modified comparative fault rules. You can only recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault. So, the less blame placed on you, the more you can recover.
A lawyer can help prove that your accident was mainly caused by the road, not by something you did. That could mean hiring experts, photographing the scene, getting maintenance records, or pulling witness reports.
What to Do After an Accident Caused by Road Conditions
If you believe poor road conditions played a role in your crash, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Call the police and report the accident, making sure they note any road hazards in their report.
- Take photos of the scene, including the road surface, debris, or hazards.
- Get medical care right away and keep records of your treatment.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience with road condition claims.
An experienced accident attorney will look at all angles of your case and help you figure out the best way to proceed. Sometimes, that might be taking a look at road conditions.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Road Ahead
When a dangerous road causes a motorcycle accident, it’s not always easy to know where to turn or who to hold accountable. These cases often involve fighting with government agencies or large contractors, and they don’t make it easy.
In addition, there may be other drivers involved. Their insurance companies might also try to shift the blame, even while local agencies refuse to take accountability on the other side.
What none of them will do is stand up for your rights, your recovery, and your ability to get justice.
That’s where we come in. We know how to build strong cases that prove negligence and get you the compensation you deserve, whether the fault lies with another driver, the city, or a company that failed to keep the roads safe. We are here for you, and we fight for you every step of the way. We stand by your side and don’t make anything unless and until we win.
Our award-winning team will help you understand your options and fight for your recovery, even if your case is complex. Contact us today for a free consultation.