Vancouver, WA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The personal injury trial lawyers at Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton includes representing victims of motorcycle accidents who died or were seriously injured in collisions with other vehicles or due to poorly-maintained roads in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Due to their small size and the physical exposure of the operator, motorcycle riders are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident than the driver or passenger of an automobile. Cyclists are 9 times more likely to be seriously injured in an accident than a car driver, and 35 times more likely to die.
A motorcyclist has the same rights to recover from a negligent driver as the driver of an automobile. Unfortunately, cases are often biased against the cyclist from the very start. A common public perception, which is therefore also a common jury perception, is that motorcycles are inherently dangerous or that motorcycle riders are more reckless than automobile drivers, and therefore they assume the risk of being involved in an accident.
It is certainly true that operating a motorcycle requires a degree of skill and attention different from that which is required when driving a car; for this reason, motorcycle riders should take care to ride carefully, visibly, and predictably to avoid collisions with other vehicles. At the same time, automobile drivers should be aware of the possibility of motorcycles on the road and should drive with care and concern. Unfortunately, many drivers are not as aware of their surroundings as they should be, while others either do not appreciate or simply do not respect motorcycles as equals on the road. Remember also that under state principles of comparative fault, an injured person can recover for the negligence of another even when the injured party contributed to the accident. This principle is discussed on our practice areas overview page.
Another strike against motorcycles is that they are much more susceptible to road hazards than four-wheeled vehicles. Road designs may contain defects from the very beginning that only a motorcycle will pick up, or they may be poorly-maintained, containing oil spills, debris, or potholes that can initiate a catastrophic accident for a cyclist. Temporary conditions caused by inclement weather or construction zones also create increased risks for cyclists, both from the hazards themselves and from the operators of motor vehicles who may not appreciate the loss of maneuverability bad weather or a construction site can cause.
Whenever you or a loved one is injured while riding a motorcycle, you should consult with an experienced accident attorney to determine the cause of the crash and evaluate whether another person or entity is at fault. Our law office offers free initial consultations to victims of personal injury or wrongful death in motorcycle accidents. Contact Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton today to discuss your claim.
