Motorcycle riders are overrepresented when it comes to traffic fatalities. But there are times when a motorcycle accident can occur without a collision.
When we refer to a motorcycle or auto accident, we typically think of more than one vehicle being involved. But many bike wrecks are actually single-vehicle accidents, in which only the motorcycle crashes. But even where there is no contact between the bike and the car, there can still be liability for the car driver. This would be considered a “no contact motorcycle accident.”
How do no contact motorcycle crashes happen?
A no contact motorcycle accident occurs when someone else causes a motorcyclist to wreck, but there is no collision between the two parties. For example, if a car runs a red light at an intersection and it causes a motorcyclist to swerve to avoid them, this may cause the bike to crash to the ground without ever having touched the car. In this case, the driver of the car would be considered the at fault party and be held liable for the motorcyclist’s damages.
Another example of a no contact bike crash is an unsafe lane change by a vehicle. A driver may not see a bike coming in their blind spot and try to merge quickly and/or without a proper turn signal. This may lead to the motorcyclist swerving to try to avoid a collision.
What are common causes of no contact motorcycle accidents?
Due to the size, shape, and the overall vulnerable nature of a bike, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk for a no contact accident than other drivers. It is much easier for a biker to lose control and wreck without contact than a standard automobile. Some examples of causes of no contact motorcycle accidents are:
• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failing to check blind spots
• Following too closely/tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Road rage or reckless driving
• Failing to check for motorcycles
• Violating traffic laws
• Failing to exercise reasonable care on the road
If a motor vehicle causes a motorcyclist to hit the ground or wreck, even without contact, the driver may be found negligent in the state of California. The biker would have to prove that the other driver was negligent and the cause of the accident and their injuries.
One of the first things a biker should do after a no contact motorcycle accident is to seek immediate medical attention. This is important not only for their health and future, but if injured, it will be a critical step in maximizing any accident injury recovery.
How to prove liability in a Sacramento no contact motorcycle accident?
To be able to recover personal injury damages and get their bike fixed after a no contact bike crash, a motorcyclist will need to prove liability. To do this, the biker must first show that the driver had a duty of care to others on the road. This can be shown through traffic laws or other unwritten rule of exercising reasonable care while driving. An example would be a duty to stop at red lights.
The biker would then need to demonstrate the driver failed to follow the law or exercise reasonable care and that breach was the cause of the accident and their damages. As in the example above, this could be a car running a red light and causing a motorcyclist to swerve and crash, resulting in personal injuries. This biker would likely be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help?
Many people wait to contact a motorcycle crash attorney. But this is the wrong thing to do. By immediately getting in touch with a lawyer who handles motorcycle accidents, this gives the best chance to build your injury case. A good bike accident attorney will know how to handle the insurance company, make sure you’re getting medical treatment, and maximize your financial recovery.
Most personal injury lawyers provide free consultations or case evaluations. We are no different. We offer a free evaluation of your case and provide an honest assessment of your chances.
If you’ve been injured in a no contact accident, it’s possible for you to recover from a negligent driver. Call us today at (916) 619-5452 or fill out our form on our website to speak with someone immediately.
