Who Could Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re recovering from serious injuries that you sustained in a motorcycle accident, it’s only natural to search for someone to blame. After all, the damages are probably adding up fast, and if you can assign liability, you can seek compensation.

At the end of the day, there are a number of parties that could be deemed responsible for a motorcycle wreck. Read on to learn who some of the most common culprits are:

1. The Motorist 

Motorists have an obligation to keep an eye out for motorcycles whenever they get behind the wheel. If they fail to do so—or to respect a rider’s right of way—they could be considered liable for any collisions (and subsequent damages) that result. 

2. A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer 

In some scenarios, motorcycle accidents are attributed to mechanical malfunctions or defective components. When this is the case, the associated manufacturer is usually to blame. 

If you think a manufacturer might be responsible for the crash in which you were hurt, make sure to find an attorney who’s well-versed in product liability. 

3. A Motor Carrier

When an 18-wheeler strikes a motorcycle, the trucker’s employer is usually to blame. As a general rule of thumb, motor carriers are liable for any damages their drivers cause while on the job. 

Of course, if the trucker happened to be operating independently at the time, they themselves would be liable for the devastation left in the wake of the wreck. 

4. The Municipality 

When designing and maintaining roadways, government agencies must account for all the vehicles that will be using them, including motorcycles. If you don’t think the accident in which you were hurt would have occurred had the roads been better designed or maintained, you may have grounds for a claim against the government entity that’s responsible for managing them. 

Unfortunately, if this happens to be the case, you have a long road ahead. Securing compensation from the government is especially challenging as there are additional statutes that apply. With the right legal team, though, you can pursue every dollar you deserve. 

5. The Motorcyclist

There are scenarios in which the actual rider is to blame for the crash. If they were speeding, for example, or ignoring traffic signals, they may ultimately be at fault for the incident. 

It’s important to keep in mind that multiple parties can be responsible for a wreck. This is why it’s imperative to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Even if you think you’re certain of the circumstances surrounding the crash, something may come to light during the investigation that you didn’t anticipate but is noteworthy enough to influence the direction of your claim. 

Call 601-487-8448 to Discuss Your Case with a Jackson Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

If you were seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, you can count on Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC for personalized and attentive counsel. Backed by decades of experience, our firm focuses on personal injury law. To set up your free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jackson, complete our Online Contact Form or call 601-487-8448.