The Differences Between Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Though all types of auto accidents have the potential to be devastating, ones involving a motorcycle are almost always worse than ones that do not. This increased risk also comes with some critical legal differences between car and motorcycle accidents. If you happen to suffer an accident, whether a motorcycle is involved or not, it is a good idea to speak with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer. Even if you don’t, it is useful to be informed about the legality of these two types of incidents.
Higher Chance of Severe Injury
Though many fatal car accidents still occur every day, today’s automobiles are incredibly safe. Auto manufacturers have put a significant emphasis on safety, and the results are cars that are outfitted with complete airbag systems and a variety of other safety features. On a motorcycle, this is not the case. The driver of the bike is much more vulnerable in two ways. The first is that because they have two wheels, even the smallest bumps or adjustments take them completely off balance. The second is that when they lose their balance, there are no airbags or other features to protect them. This means that the majority of the time, they will hit the ground. At high speeds, this can be lethal. The legal implications of this are that when a severe injury is sustained in an accident, the legality gets a lot more complicated. If there is a death, it complicates matters further. Given that these injuries are more likely for a motorcyclist, motorcycle accidents are usually much more complex.
Environmental Factors
Due to their relative lack of stability, environmental factors have a much greater effect on motorcycles. Examples of these factors include potholes, poor weather, or loose gravel. Environmental factors play a role in assigning fault in any accident, but are exacerbated when motorcycles are involved.
Reputation
If your case ends up in court, the reputation that motorcyclists have could play a role. Fair or not, many people hold the opinion that cyclists are often unsafe daredevils. If you end up in front of a judge or jury, this could play a factor.
Lane Splitting
One of the most common reasons for a driver being found at fault is unsafe driving. Some motorcyclists engage in this behavior often in the form of lane splitting. It is often considered reckless and could be a significant factor in a legal case.
When on the road, different types of vehicles pose different types of safety concerns. Though cars are the standard, there are plenty of motorcyclists out there that you could end up getting into an accident with. If you do, it is a good idea to speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer. Though informational articles such as this one are useful, it will be even better to have a trained professional at your side to guide you through the process.
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