A no-contact motorcycle accident is an accident where a driver causes a motorcycle rider to crash without contact between the vehicles. This is possible when a driver’s negligence causes the motorcycle rider to swerve into an obstacle or prevents their ability to make a safe maneuver.
Liability for No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riding is a beloved activity for many Floridians, but anyone who chooses to ride puts their life in the hands of other motorists. Motorcycle riders are a minority on the road, which means there are much larger vehicles they must learn to ride around. The stakes are also higher for riders, who are more exposed and whose vehicles are liable to lose balance.
The onus on safe driving isn’t solely on riders, though. Other drivers are equally responsible for ensuring that their decisions on the road won’t put anyone else at risk. This is the crux of why it’s possible for a driver to be held liable for a no-contact motorcycle accident: Even if a collision was avoided, someone was still hurt because of another party’s negligence.
Proving Fault in a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Claim
When a motorcycle rider is injured in a no-contact accident, it can be more difficult to prove the other driver was more at fault for the accident.
Proving fault involves the following:
- The other driver owed you a legal duty of care by following the rules of the road
- The other driver breached this duty by speeding, making an improper lane change, engaging in road rage, running a red light, or making another error
- The other driver’s breach caused you to crash
- You were injured as a result of the crash
- Your injuries resulted in losses such as new medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and others like these
Although Florida is technically a no-fault state, a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance might not be enough – especially when you are permanently injured. That’s when you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help.
Paulsen Law Group Can Help
Any motorcycle accident resulting in injury should be dealt with as quickly as possible. During this crucial time, it’s important to seek assistance that can help you ensure that you can get the meaningful compensation you need to move forward after a no-contact motorcycle accident.
Learn more about how Paulsen Law Group can help. Contact us today to get started!