Washington Lawyers Serving Victims of Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Road Hazards
Motorcycles are not like cars. They require a perfect balance of two tires, and weight distribution, in order to stay upright. Even a minor imperfection in the road or a wrong reaction by an operator can lead to a fatal accident. Whether you are new to riding or more experienced, it is important that you familiarize yourself with common road hazards that can ultimately lead to serious accidents.
Most importantly, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, due to another’s negligence, contact a Washington personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to assist you with your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Road Hazards in Motorcycle Accidents
Road hazards can be found at every turn in Washington – especially if you are riding on rural roads. Small things that have little impact on motor vehicles – like debris – can force a motorcycle to crash. By understanding what constitutes a hazard, you can be alert for such dangers and take measures to avoid them.
- Rough Roads – Rough, bumpy roads, which can be caused by disrepair or recent construction work, can lead to accidents. These cause motorcycles to “jump;” if the operator is not in complete control of the bike, the driver can easily crash.
- Gravel – Gravel does not usually throw a motor vehicle off course, but it can be extremely dangerous for a motorcycle. This is especially true when a motorcycle is cornering a turn or using excessive speeds. Gravel tends to be present after recent construction, as well as on rural roads where there is not enough traffic to keep gravel at a minimum.
- Edge Breaks – This occurs when two lanes of traffic are at different heights. While this does not pose a risk for a vehicle, even a minor deviation in height can force a motorcycle to lose control.
- Expansion Joints – These are used to connect two spans of a roadway together, and are often what connects a roadway to a bridge or overpass. While they are generally safe, expansion joints are prone to becoming slick when wet – which can force a rider to lose control of the bike.
- Animals – A collision with an animal in a vehicle is devastating enough, but on a bike, it can be fatal. Even a small animal can throw a rider from the motorcycle. Unfortunately, live animals run into the streets often in Washington – even in busy urban areas.
- Standing Water – Surprisingly, standing water is also a hazard for motorcycles. It can cause a motorcycle to hydroplane, even when riding through a small puddle.
- Debris or Objects in the Road – Any type of debris on the road can be dangerous for a motorcycle. Riders have to quickly maneuver to avoid such hazards; even so, if they accidentally strike it, they could be seriously injured.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. First, you will need to speak with an expert Washington accident attorney to explore your options. To see if you are eligible for compensation, contact Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC at 800-925-1875 or ask a question online.
