Motorcycles Have to be Extra Vigilant
When you’re on a motorcycle, there are times when you’re put in harm’s way simply because you’re on a motorcycle. Road hazards that may not be a big deal to a car or truck, can turn deadly quickly for those riding on two wheels.
Today, the Car Crash Captain is looking at some of those road hazards, and seeing who ultimately could be liable if you’re injured in a crash due to one of them.
1 – Uneven Pavement or Potholes
Local governments are largely responsible for maintaining the roads. When the roads are neglected, and damage is done to a vehicle or injury to a rider, they can be held liable. Hitting a pothole can blow out tires and throw a rider from his or her motorcycle.
The problems come up with proving negligence. With hundreds, or even thousands, of miles of roadway to maintain, it may be difficult to prove that the government had notice of the hazard and failed to act accordingly.
2 – Gravel and Debris
Gravel and other debris get onto the roads quite often. From construction zones, to truck spills, to poorly maintained roads that are literally crumbling away, that debris becomes road hazards that cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles, and can cause motorcyclists to crash and be injured.
Property owners or construction companies can be held liable if their debris led to an accident. That includes property owners who blow fallen leaves into the street instead of disposing of them properly – protect yourself from a lawsuit by maintaining your property instead of pushing it into the street and making it someone else’s problem.
3 – Improper Drainage
Most streets have storm drains. After a heavy deluge, the water heads into the drains and is whisked away to nearby rivers. They are generally fast and effective means of removing the water from the roads, and eliminating potential risks.
But they’re not always as effective as they should be. Sometimes they get clogged with debris and aren’t cleared in time. Sometimes the roads are improperly designed and they don’t drain as they should. Large puddles are road hazards and can lead to hydroplaning and wrecks. The municipality in charge of maintaining the road, or the construction company that built the road, could be at fault here.
4 – Overgrown Vegetation
Vegetation can block views, traffic signs, signals, and more. It can become a problem for motorists and those riding motorcycles.
If growing on private property, the property owner is responsible to trim their trees and shrubberies so vehicles have a clean line of site. If this isn’t done, the liability for an ensuing accident could lie, at least partially, on them.
5 – Construction Zones
Construction is essential to ensure the roads don’t become dilapidated and lead to wrecks mentioned earlier due to potholes. And as much as it’s frustrating to deal with construction, it’s something we have to put up with so we have good roads.
It is to be expected that there are some hazards in the construction zone. However, the company doing the work is responsible to ensure motorists know about those road hazards – such as loose gravel, abrupt drop-offs, entering equipment, and more. If they don’t warn motorists, they can be held liable for a wreck that ensues.
Herbert Law Group Motorcycle Accident Victims
Road hazards will always be there. Ideally, they’re handled in a fast and effective manner, but things are overlooked.
If you’re a rider, and you’ve been injured in a crash due to road hazards, it’s important that you speak with an attorney from Herbert Law Group right away. We can help you find justice so you can focus on healing from your injuries. Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you.