Who is At Fault in a “No Contact” Motorcycle Crash?
Posted in Motorcycle accidents on August 15, 2022
Accidents involving motorcycles can occur in a wide variety of ways. In some cases, these incidents even occur when there is no contact between the motorcycle and another vehicle directly. No contact motorcycle accidents are more common than most people realize, and they can lead to significant injuries, just like a regular collision. It is imperative to adequately determine fault for no contact motorcycle accidents. Even though there may not have been contact between a motorcycle and another vehicle, this does not mean that another driver was not responsible for the incident.
Understanding How No Contact Motorcycle Crashes Occur
When we examine data available from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, we can see that motorcyclists are 5.1 times more likely to be killed or injured in a crash than those inside a traditional passenger vehicle. Data from the state does not show, however, how many motorcycle accidents occur as a result of no contact incidents.
When most people think of any type of crash, including most cycle collisions, they think of one vehicle striking another. However, there are times when accidents occur even if vehicles do not come into contact with each other period this is certainly true for motorcyclists. In fact, there does not have to be direct contact with a motorcyclist in order for another driver to be at fault for an incident.
No contact motorcycle accidents in Tennessee occur in a variety of ways. Individuals riding on motorcycles face a higher risk of being injured as a result of these types of collisions simply due to the very nature of these vehicles. They have two wheels that must remain on the ground at all times, and the driver has to maintain a certain speed in order to stay balanced and stable.
Anytime the actions of other drivers on the roadway cause a motorcyclist to become unstable, this can lead to an accident. Other motorists do not have to strike a motorcyclist in order for the motorcyclist to crash. For example, if a motorcyclist has to take evasive maneuvers because they need to avoid a collision with another vehicle or think they are about to encounter a dangerous situation, this could lead to a crash.
No contact collisions often occur in much the same way as regular collisions, and some of the most common causes of these incidents include other drivers:
- Stopping abruptly in the roadway
- Changing lanes without using a turn signal
- Violating basic traffic laws
- Speeding or going too fast for conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
- Operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or stoplight
- Operating while distracted
No contact motorcycle accidents do not necessarily have to involve other passenger vehicles. These types of incidents can occur due to the actions of other motorcyclists as well as pedestrians or bicyclists. For example, if a pedestrian bolts out into the roadway unexpectedly, a motorcyclist may need to take evasive maneuvers to avoid striking them. Taking these evasive maneuvers could lead to a no contact collision.
Motorcyclists involved in these types of collisions need to speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer will examine the facts of their claim and help them recover any compensation they may be entitled to due to the negligent actions of another.