Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Any motor vehicle crash can be awful, but motorcycle accidents can be incredibly devastating. They often result in the most extreme and severe injuries, including loss of limbs, paralysis, head trauma, and loss of life.

The biggest issue for motorcycle riders is that drivers of other vehicles are often dismissive or unaware of their presence and sometimes carry unfair judgments toward them. This attitude and behavior lead to roadway problems, where automobile drivers assume the lanes were created solely for them and that they do not need to share the road.

Contrary to stereotypes, most motorcycle accidents occur due to the actions of the other driver, not reckless behavior by inexperienced riders. Many motorcyclists killed in crashes are victims of collisions caused by drivers failing to yield or check their blind spots.

Adhering to universal helmet laws and wearing helmets can significantly reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists. However, even with a helmet law in place, riders must remain vigilant and drive safely to minimize risks. Educating drivers of other vehicles about the need to share the road is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.

In Most Accidents Between a Car and a Motorcycle, Who Is at Fault?

In the majority of crashes, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is careless and inattentive passenger vehicle drivers. Automobile drivers are at far less risk of injury than a motorcyclist when in a collision. The effects on the motorcyclist can be life-threatening and incredibly traumatic. There often seems to be a dispute about who had the right of way, with automobile drivers often unaware of the motorcycles.

Motorcycle crashes are not always the result of colliding with another vehicle. Sometimes these crashes occur due to the poor maintenance of roads or unclear or absent road signage. While motorcyclists have no control over road conditions or bad signage, they should always drive safely and be fully aware of traffic, or they could risk losing their life.

The following includes some examples of the more common motorcycle accidents that involve passenger vehicles:

• Failure to yield
• Door opened into an oncoming motorcyclist
• Distracted drivers
• Brake-checking
• Reckless or unsafe lane changes
• Left-turn accidents

Nearly half of all motorcycle collisions are caused by left-turn accidents. These crashes occur at intersections where motorcyclists attempt to pass on the left side of a vehicle when it is turning left. Motorcycle riders must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Unfortunately, motorcycles easily fall into the blind spot of most passenger vehicles.

What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are The Riders Fault?

There are a variety of reasons for a motorcycle accident to occur.

Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Administration found that more than 3/4 of motorcycle crashes are due to rider error. These errors include:

• Not wearing the correct gear
• Applying the brakes too late
• Taking a curve too widely

Sadly, alcohol is commonly implicated in almost half of the motorcycle crashes that result in death.

How Is Fault Determined in Motorcycle Crash Cases?

In the majority of motorcycle collisions, car drivers are often held liable. However, the actions of both the car driver and the motorcyclist are considered when determining the final liability. If the cause of an accident is roadways deemed unsafe, the local government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.

Motorcycles are typically considered to be less of a threat on the road to other passenger vehicles. If the evidence proves that a motorcyclist is partially at fault for the accident, the court takes that into consideration and deducts damages from their final settlement.

Motorcycle accidents happen quickly, and it can be difficult to determine what and who caused the crash. An Indiana motorcycle accident attorney will investigate what occurred and collect several forms of evidence, including:

• Traffic citations
• Traffic or security video of the crash
• Testimony from eyewitnesses
• Photographs of the damaged motorcycle and the accident scene
• Medical records and imaging scans of injuries sustained
• The official police report

Motorcycle Accident Fault Breakdown:

• Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes: Rider at fault (100%)
• Multi-vehicle crashes: Other driver at fault (~60%)
• Left-turn accidents: Car driver at fault (majority)
• Rear-end collisions: Following vehicle at fault

When Other Drivers Are at Fault:

• Failing to see the motorcycle (most common)
• Left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles
• Unsafe lane changes into a motorcycle’s path
• Following too closely / rear-ending
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Distracted driving

When Riders Are at Fault:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Lane splitting (illegal in most states)
• Impaired riding (alcohol/drugs)
• Inexperience or lack of training

Indiana follows a comparative fault system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, our knowledgeable accident lawyers can help you fight for your legal rights and recover the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys understand that this is a difficult time ,and you should not have to face it alone. Contact our attorneys today for a free consultation via our secure online form.