Motorcycle accidents often result in dangerous, debilitating, and even deadly injuries. But does a collision with another vehicle have to happen for this to occur? Not necessarily. No-contact motorcycle accidents are equally capable of inflicting as much damage as an accident that involves a collision with another motor vehicle.
What Is a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?
A no-contact motorcycle accident occurs when a driver causes a motorcyclist to crash without coming into contact with them. No actual collision between the two vehicles occurs, however, the motorcyclist is still involved in a wreck.
Examples of No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
Here are some examples of no-contact motorcycle crashes:
- A motor vehicle driver changes lanes without paying attention to the motorcyclist, cutting them off in traffic. The motorcyclist swerves out of the road and collides with the guardrail.
- A motorcyclist is following a safe distance from the car in front of them, but the vehicle “brake checks” the motorcycle driver, causing them to swerve or lay their bike down to avoid a crash.
- A truck driver runs a red light and the motorcyclist attempts to maneuver out of their way, crashing into a road sign or stoplight.
Any action that a car or truck driver takes that causes a motorcyclist to react in defense could result in a no-contact motorcycle accident. This also includes passing a motorcyclist in a dangerous manner, merging over a motorcycle, weaving in and out of traffic, and sideswiping a motorcycle.
Assigning Fault After a No-Contact Motorcycle Crash
Typically, assigning fault after a no-contact accident works the same way as assigning fault in a traditional collision. What matters most in an accident case is not whether two vehicles collide, but whether one or both parties were acting negligently and whether or not the negligence directly resulted in the accident.
If the driver of the car or truck that caused your motorcycle accident wasn’t aware of their surroundings, was in violation of traffic laws, failed to act in a reasonable manner in a traffic situation, or was otherwise negligent, you may be able to hold them responsible.
In cases of a hit and run, it may be more difficult to obtain information about the driver that caused you to wreck, although not necessarily impossible.
Can You Collect Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
A few things need to exist for you to be able to successfully collect compensation in a no-contact motorcycle accident lawsuit. First, you must be able to prove that the other driver was acting negligently. Perhaps they were speeding or driving recklessly just prior to the crash.
Second, you must be able to prove that those negligent actions directly caused you to either lay your bike down or collide with a nearby object like a guardrail or tree to try to avoid an imminent crash, and you were injured as a result. Then, you must be able to show that your injuries directly caused you to incur damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional anguish.
Contact Mazow | McCullough, P.C. Today
If you or a loved one were hurt in a no-contact motorcycle accident, another driver may be legally responsible for the incident. You may have the right to collect financial compensation, even if your motorcycle and their vehicle didn’t come into contact.
You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Contact Mazow | McCullough, P.C. today for a consultation at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
