Motorcyclists know firsthand that nothing is more dangerous than a driver texting, checking social media with a cell phone, or attempting to multi-task behind the wheel. Motorcycle riders are exposed to numerous potential risks on the road, but for the most part these are risks those riders can train for, plan for, mitigate, and control. Distracted drivers are one of the few exceptions.
At Full Throttle Law, we have a lengthy track record of successfully representing victims in both motorcycle and car accidents involving distracted drivers. We will provide a swift response to your case and start investigating your case immediately to determine who is to blame. Full Throttle Law has a large support staff of experienced case managers that work around the clock, side by side with our motorcycle injury attorneys. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Driver Distractions that Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
“Cagers”, car and truck drivers, regularly fail to respect the rights of motorcycle riders on the road. This frequently leads to accidents such as sideswipes and collisions where drivers pull out or turn in front of oncoming riders. Jared Richards and the injury attorneys at Full Throttle Law represent riders who have been injured by drivers who were:
- Texting
- Posting on social media
- Talking on the phone
- Talking to passengers
- Dealing with kids in the back seat
- Eating and drinking
- Changing playlists or radio stations
- Navigating
- Reading
- Personal grooming or even applying mascara!
These and other distractions can put motorcycle riders in life-endangering situations. Distracted drivers kill dozens of people in locally and thousands nationwide. At Full Throttle Law we fight tirelessly to make sure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. We are tired of seeing motorcycle riders hurt!
Protection Against Distracted Drivers
We recommend that you are constantly “sharpening the saw.” Meaning signing up and attending advanced riding clinics and workshops. We recently hosted a series of FREE skills and drills type clinics. Watch our EVENTS tab on our Facebook Page for more information as well as MATTRS page for these seminars designed to help you think on two wheels. While accidents with distracted drivers are often unavoidable, as a motorcycle rider there are steps you can take to help protect yourself in the event of a collision. Although, depending on the circumstances, even these may not be enough to insulate yourself from serious, life-changing injuries.
While most riders are familiar with basic motorcycle safety, the best protection against a distracted driver is to ride defensively. With a post pandemic, new wave of distracted, impatient, and aggressive drivers, it is vital for motorcyclists to anticipate the actions of inattentive drivers.
Traffic signal-controlled intersections represent a high hazard for motorcyclists. Studies show that more drivers than ever are running red lights and driving more aggressive on yellow caution lights. Before accelerating through an intersection, take an extra pause to consider the traffic around. The deadly left-hand-turn is something you really need to be on high alert for.
Wearing a DOT rated helmet, even if not required in your state, is a good idea given the new universe of risk. Do not take any chances. We know motorcycle riders like the freedom of choice, and we certainly respect that. In states like Nevada where helmets are mandatory, we encourage riders to follow the law. In states where helmets are optional, we encourage rider to make the choice of wearing an appropriate helmet.
Fault Considerations
Never Just Assume You Were at Fault
No matter what happened in a motorcycle accident, many people, even law enforcement may immediately assume that the motorcycle rider was at fault. This is because most people think that motorcycles are “dangerous,” without knowing anything about motorcycle safety.
As a rider, if you have been injured in an accident, it is best to take advantage of legal consultation to help sort out the fault issues. It does not matter that you may have been written a citation even. Remember, every driver owes a duty to exercise the highest degree of care while operating a motor vehicle. We will get started right away gathering the facts.
Even if Police or Insurance List You as “At Fault”, You May Still be Entitled to Compensation
Car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases are rarely straightforward, especially when they involve distracted driving. There can be some twists and turns and sometimes putting together the pieces of the puzzle require subject matter experts. We have those on staff.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to financial compensation. The laws in Nevada and some other states apply various forms of a rule known as “comparative fault.”
Nevada Revised Statures 41.141 is Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule. The law says that fault is not necessarily a bar to recovery in a personal injury accident. A victim may still be able to recover some of their damages even if they are partially to blame for the event.
This rule allows accident victims to seek compensation for their accident-related losses even when they are partially responsible. Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows a plaintiff to recover damages in a personal injury case so long as one or more of the other parties were at least 50% responsible for the injury or accident. Nevada has tried to make it fair to all parties involved. Even if you share in the blame because there were things you could have done to avoid it, Full Throttle Law might be able to help you recover damages. Sometimes, an accident may be more than one person’s fault. It is critical you work with an experienced law firm when dealing with comparative negligence. We are experienced in Nevada’s modified rules and how they work in personal injury cases.
Contact Full Throttle Law about Your Distracted Driving Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, Full Throttle Law can help you take action and fight for justice and fair compensation. When you contact us, we will work quickly to investigate the cause of the accident, and we will work with the insurance companies for you so that you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. CEO and Founder of Full Throttle Law, Jared Richards offers free initial consultations and will come to you if you are in the hospital or having difficulty getting around. All our clients have the direct cell phone number to their attorneys once we establish a client relationship. Call 833-702-RIDE 833-702-7433 to speak with us now about your accident.
