No Contact Motorcycle Accidents: Filing a Personal Injury Claim

According to statistics, thousands of motorcycle deaths occur every year in the United States. Recent statistics confirm that motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than occupants of passenger cars to die in a crash per mile traveled. Motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, and these medical injuries often lead to paralysis or death. Unfortunately, most automobile drivers are focused on other vehicles on the roadways, and motorcycles are easily missed. If a vehicle driver is distracted or driving carelessly, this only increases the risk of a motorcycle accident. One of the most serious accidents involving motorcycles is known as no-contact motorcycle accidents, which often results in serious injuries or death.

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No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents

When the driver of a vehicle causes a motorcycle rider to crash or wreck their motorcycle, but there is no contact or direct impact between the vehicles, this is called a no-contact motorcycle accident. More common than many realize, a no-contact accident may not result in a physical collision, but it can be quite damaging and even lethal. Injuries suffered in a no-contact motorcycle accident can be just as severe as if there had been a collision. Riders may suffer soft tissue injuries, burns, severe brain damage, fractures and spinal injuries. Medical bills, property damage, and lost wages can all add to the trauma of such accidents. Despite the fact that the rider and the driver did not collide, the driver of the vehicle may be held liable for the rider’s injuries and property damage.

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Common Scenarios

Statistics show that drivers of motor vehicles simply do not notice motorcycles on the roadways, and this lack of awareness plus negligent driving can be catastrophic for the rider of a motorcycle. Any reckless driving or negligent maneuver could endanger a motorcyclist’s life and lead to a no-contact motorcycle crash. In a common sequence of events, a motorcycle rider may see a careless driver who shows in various ways that he or she does not see the motorcycle rider. The rider may foresee an impending, hazardous outcome and swerves, crashes, loses control, or intentionally lays down their motorcycle in an attempt to avoid the collision. This can result in severe injury and damages to the motorcycle rider. Some of the most common scenarios that cause a no-contact motorcycle accidents include the following:

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● Distracted or reckless driving

● Inattention to surroundings

● Unsafe lane changes

● Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

● Violation of traffic laws

● Speeding or tailgating

● Failing to check blind spots

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The Challenge in No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents

Vehicle drivers who cause no-contact motorcycle accidents often do not realize they have caused an accident. These drivers often just drive away from the scene of the accident, simply because they are unaware that an accident has occurred. In no-contact motorcycle accidents, witness accounts are crucial. Witness testimony is extremely important in establishing what occurred between the driver and motorcyclist. In cases of negligence, the driver could be liable for the accident, even though the vehicles never collided. Since the driver essentially forced the rider to take defensive action, the driver may be responsible for the crash, the injuries and any damages that resulted from the no-contact accident.

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Establishing a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Claim After a no-contact motorcycle accident occurs, it is often difficult to determine the identity of the driver of the motor vehicle, unless someone obtained the license plate number, or the driver stopped after the accident. However, if you are the victim of a no-contact motorcycle accident, it is wise to do the following:

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● Take photos of the accident scene, the road, and any vehicles involved, if possible

● If you can remember, write down the driver’s license number, license plate, and/or

insurance information

● Gather witness names and phone numbers

● Examine the surrounding area to see if a stoplight or nearby business may have a

camera that would have captured the accident which could lead to the identification of

the driver of the motor vehicle

● Contact the police and request a written police report

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Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a no-contact motorcycle accident, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries. No-contact motorcycle accident claims are legally complex, and an experienced attorney will be able to help you understand your rights and build a strong personal injury case on your behalf. If you have been injured in this type of accident, you have the right to receive justice. These types of cases are extremely complicated, and often require independent investigations and expert witness testimony. Our attorneys can help ensure your legal rights are protected. Contact an experienced attorney at Sandoval Law, APC to visit with our legal team and set up a free consultation today.

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