Motorcycle lane change accidents can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries for those on two wheels. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other drivers, a hidden blind spot or a quick, careless merge can cause a crash with long-lasting consequences.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, it can be helpful to understand what types of behavior might be considered negligent and how you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents That Lead to Personal Injury Lawsuits
Lane change accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but most involve a driver’s failure to spot or react to a motorcycle sharing the road. Below are some of the most frequent causes reported in these crashes.
- Failing to Check Blind Spots: When drivers move into another lane without fully checking mirrors or looking over their shoulder, motorcyclists can be caught off guard. Because motorcycles are smaller and can hide easily in a vehicle’s blind spot, proper mirror checks are especially important.
- Distracted Driving: Checking a phone, messing with the radio, or even eating behind the wheel can all pull attention away from the road. In the time it takes a distracted motorist to glance away, a motorcycle can appear in the lane they’re about to enter, leading to a collision.
- Not Signaling a Lane Change: Signals give everyone on the road – especially motorcyclists – time to slow down or adjust. Drivers who fail to use turn signals when changing lanes leave motorcyclists little room to maneuver safely.
- Aggressive Merging: Some drivers don’t leave enough space when merging or change lanes too quickly. This behavior can push motorcyclists off the road or squeeze them between vehicles, creating a dangerous scenario.
- Impaired or Drowsy Driving: Substances like alcohol or drugs can slow reaction times and distort judgment, and drowsy driving isn’t much better. Either type of impairment increases the risk of a lane change accident.
Recognizing these risks can make the roads safer for everyone, especially vulnerable motorcyclists.
Liability in Motorcycle Lane-Change Crashes
Determining who is legally responsible for a motorcycle lane-change accident can be a challenge, but it’s possible with legal help. Building a strong case often hinges on the evidence you collect immediately afterward and as you move forward with your claim. Below are some of the main ways to show liability in these crashes.
- Police Reports: A detailed police report can provide a neutral account of what happened and who may be at fault. Officers will typically talk to drivers, passengers, and witnesses and note any traffic violations, offering support for your claim if another driver was to blame.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses who saw the lane change can back up your version of events. Their statements are often quite persuasive in court because a judge or jury values accounts from people who were present and saw what occurred, especially if they are objective parties.
- Video or Photo Evidence: Traffic cameras, dashcams, and smartphone videos can document the accident from start to finish. These videos are very useful for showing whether the other driver failed to signal, changed lanes abruptly, or otherwise acted negligently.
- Expert Testimony: Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts analyze skid marks, damage to vehicles, and road conditions to see how the collision took place. They can figure out if the motorcyclist or another driver had time to take evasive action or whether one party clearly violated traffic rules.
The best way to get the evidence you need for your Denver injury claim is to reach out for legal help right away.
The Importance of Working With a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle lane-change accident, hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim. They understand how to gather important evidence, deal with insurance companies, negotiate for fair compensation, and take your case to trial if needed.
With the help of a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while knowing your case is in capable hands.