Road Safety for Motorcyclists; Know Who Is Responsible
Every state requires drivers and their vehicles to meet certain standards in order to help ensure safety on our nation’s roads. Drivers are also expected to drive safely and carefully as they commute around town. Car operators are also supposed to obey the rules of the road to minimize dangers, etc.
Motorcycle drivers are even expected to take separate rider tests, in order to certify that they can drive safely, even with the unique requirements of a motorcycle. But who ensures that the roads are safe enough for the motorcyclist?
Most drivers probably realize that government agencies and sometimes individual companies are responsible for keeping our streets drivable, but most don’t realize how much responsibility these agencies have in actually keeping the streets safe.
If You Have an Accident, You May Have a Government Claim
While many smashups are due to driver negligence or bad decisions, a stunning number of accidents are due to negligence by private companies and government agencies, in doing their job of keeping the roads safe for all drivers, including motorcyclists. I bet you did not know that government agencies or companies could be held responsible.
But the government, such as Caltrans, or some other contractor hired by the government may be held liable under various statues and codes, in these following situations:
- Roads are insufficiently repaired, leaving potholes, sinkholes, or cracks that cause unsafe driving conditions.
- Road repairs, temporary patches, or metal plates result in unsafe driving surfaces particularly in areas of low visibility.
- Signage warning drivers of construction is absent or hard to see.
- Signs warning of hazards inherent to the road, such as sharp turns, curves, slopes, or speed bumps, are absent or hard to see.
- Curves holding standing water or mud, cause slick conditions and decreased tire grip.
- Concrete, asphalt, rocks, gravel, or other road repair materials are not cleaned up in a timely fashion from road repairs or even dump truck spills.
So What Happens if This Type of Situation Causes an Accident?
Before you even contact your insurance agent, contact an attorney specialized in motorcycle accidents caused by road conditions. Never assume that just because you employ the insurance agency, that they are going to do everything they can to pay all of your insurance and repair bills. Insurance agencies have their own team of trial lawyers to protect their interests; let a qualified victim's attorney protect yours. This helps provide a downed rider with hope and faith for a better tomorrow. Ehline Law has won numerous awards, and has recovered a treasure trove in winnings from the numerous defendants and their insurance companies we have gone up against. We are here to satisfy our clients and arm them with our representation, which is second to none.
Who Do You Call After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you want an advocate with multiple years of experience, and an exceptional track record of success in protecting motorcycle riders in California, call 888-400-9721. The Ehline Law Firm PC has represented magnitudes of motorcycle riders, and recovered millions upon millions of dollars in the process, for mentally and physically afflicted victims. Let us help you in your hour of need. Feel free to browse our website to learn more.
