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People typically assume that it’s always the other driver’s fault when an accident happens. That’s often true, but it’s not the whole story. Motorcycle crashes can happen for lots of reasons.
Depending on what went wrong, different people or groups could be responsible. It might be another driver, a problem with the motorcycle itself, or even the condition of the road. If you’re having trouble trying to figure out the right liable party because there are a few complexities involved in your situation, you can click here to learn more.
Let’s take a close look at all the possibilities so you know exactly how liability works in a motorcycle accident.
The Other Driver
A lot of motorcycle accidents happen because another driver makes a mistake. Maybe they ran a red light, didn’t check their blind spot before switching lanes, or were distracted by their phone or GPS. Sometimes drivers speed, sometimes they drive under the influence, and sometimes they just don’t see the motorcyclist at all.
When a driver acts carelessly like this and causes a crash, the law calls that negligence. Negligence means the person didn’t take the care a reasonable person would, and because of that, someone else got hurt.
This doesn’t always mean a dramatic crash. It could be something as simple as a driver failing to give way at an intersection, opening a car door into traffic without looking, or not stopping properly before turning. Even small mistakes like these can cause serious crashes involving motorcycles.
If the crash happened because the other driver didn’t do what they were supposed to, they are likely the ones responsible.
Those in Charge of Road Maintenance
Another cause of motorcycle accidents is the road itself. Dangerous road conditions can cause a rider to lose control. Imagine hitting a huge pothole, sliding on loose gravel, or losing traction because of oil or water spilled on the road.
Local councils, government bodies, or whoever is in charge of road maintenance are responsible for keeping roads safe. This includes fixing potholes, clearing debris, and putting up signs to warn drivers about hazards like sharp bends or construction zones.
If these authorities fail to keep the road safe, and that failure causes an accident, they can be held liable. Proving this can be tricky because you have to show that the road was in poor condition and that the responsible agency knew about it but didn’t act.
Other Road Users
Not every accident involves a car, mechanical issues, or bad roads. Sometimes it’s other people. For example, a pedestrian might suddenly walk onto the road without warning. Or a cyclist might swerve in front of you. Maybe a business owner let water or oil spill onto the street, making it slippery.
Even if no driver is involved, if someone’s careless actions caused the crash, they can be held responsible. It doesn’t matter if they were driving, walking, riding, or just nearby. If their negligence led to the accident, they could be liable.
How Do You Prove Who’s Responsible?
Knowing who probably caused the accident is one thing; proving it is another. That’s where evidence comes in. To hold someone liable, you need proof that their negligence caused the crash.
A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents will gather all the relevant evidence, such as:
- The official police report that details how the accident happened
- Videos from traffic cameras or nearby security cameras
- Statements from witnesses who saw what happened
- Photos taken at the scene, showing damage and road conditions
- Mechanical inspections of the bike to check for defects
- Dashcam footage, if available
This evidence helps build a clear picture of the crash and shows who was really at fault. Sometimes, what you think happened right after the accident isn’t the whole truth.
Having solid proof makes it easier to hold the right person or company accountable.
