Single Bike Accidents

When most people think of a motorcycle accident, they think of a car or truck colliding with a motorcycle while both vehicles are in motion. But not all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle. Many motorcyclists are injured, or even killed, after making an evasive maneuver to avoid a crash. The legal team at KWF has experience representing injured motorcyclists and their family members in single-bike accident cases.

Unfortunately, car and truck drivers often fail to look out for motorcyclists with whom they share the road. In many cases, motorcyclists are forced to swerve out of the way to avoid being hit by motorists who do not see them riding in an adjacent lane, or behind in the same lane. Examples of single-bike accidents caused by negligent motorists include:

• Lane change accidents – Car and truck drivers frequently attempt to change lanes without noticing a motorcyclist riding beside them. The motorcyclist is forced to swerve to avoid being hit and often veers onto the side of the road, or shoulder, in the process. Loose gravel on the shoulder of the road can then cause the motorcyclist to lose control of the bike.
• Sudden-stop collisions – If a car or truck stops suddenly and a motorcyclist traveling behind the vehicle is forced to stop quickly, the bike may go end-over-end, throwing the rider and resulting in serious injury. If the motorcyclist attempts to swerve around the stopped vehicle, he or she may hit another vehicle or an object on the side of the road.
• Open door accidents – People exiting parked vehicles often fail to see oncoming motorcycles, and open their car doors directly into a motorcyclist’s path. If a motorcyclist swerves to avoid crashing into an open car door, he or she may lose control of the bike or strike another vehicle or object.

In some cases, a motorcyclist may lose control of their bikes and hit stationary objects, such as trees, utility poles, and roadside barriers. These accidents can be especially serious because striking a non-moving object can result in a very intense impact.

Sometimes single-bike accidents are caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, grooves, improperly maintained railroad crossings, uneven pavement, and hazardous road construction. These situations can cause skidding, sliding, and toppling, all of which can result in serious injury to a motorcyclist. In these cases, the city, county, or state responsible for maintaining the roadway may be liable for damages and injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a single-bike accident in Georgia, including in the cities of Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, or Alpharetta, contact the personal injury lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss the circumstances of your accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Call (404) 460-0101 or (404) 460-0101 for a free initial consultation.