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No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents

Posted by Harlene Labrum | Feb 21, 2021

 Many people assume that a motorcycle accident only refers to vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. However, this is not true. While vehicle to vehicle collisions are the most common types of accidents, sometimes, even a single-vehicle accident may be a result of another driver's fault. These single-vehicle accidents may be as dangerous as vehicle-to-vehicle crashes and may lead to serious bodily injuries, property damages or even death. In such cases, the other driver may be held liable for negligence and required to pay damages to the person who suffered injuries. This is especially true in cases that involve no-contact motorcycle accidents. If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident where your motorcycle never actually collided with another vehicle, learn how a Tennessee no-contact motorcycle accident attorney at Labrum Law at (615) 338-9500 firm can help you with your case.

What is a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?

Unfortunately, according to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die as compared to passenger car occupants in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. This is due to the very nature and design of the motorcycles. Motorcycles are not enclosed vehicles and unlike passenger cars, they do not have an extra layer of protection. Motorcycles are less visible, less stable, and more vulnerable to weather hazards and dangers on the road. Therefore, the likelihood of serious injuries such as brain injury, spinal cord breakage, and fatalities is much greater in a motor vehicle accident.

A no-contact motorcycle accident, also known as a single-vehicle accident refers to an accident where even though no physical collision occurred between the two vehicles involved, the other vehicle caused the motorcyclist to suffer injuries and losses. Sometimes, another vehicle may cause a motorcycle to swerve and lose control or use sudden braking or cause them to lay down their motorcycle to avoid a more catastrophic collision. In such cases, even though there might be no collision between the two vehicles, the other vehicle may be held liable for negligently causing the crash if its driver was at fault.

Common Causes of No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents

The most common causes of a no-contact motorcycle accident are:

  • Unsafe lane changes.
  • Traffic laws violations including running a red light, failing to yield, speeding, or crossing the median.
  • Distracted driving.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failure in being attentive to motorcyclists
  • Tailgating
  • Driving too close to the motorcycle or sideswiping the motorcycle

If due to such reasons, another vehicle causes a motorcyclist to lay down, wreck, smash or crash even without a collision, the other vehicle may become liable for a no-contact motorcycle accident. For example, if a speeding car driving ahead of a motorcycle suddenly stops and slams its breaks, the motorcyclist may lay down the bike to avoid a physical collision. Here, even though the vehicles did not collide, the car driver may be held liable for a no-contact motorcycle accident claim.

Proving Fault in a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident

The victim of a no-contact motorcycle accident must prove negligence and the lack of reasonable care on part of the other vehicle's driver. The injured motorcyclist must be able to show that if not for the other driver's fault and negligence, the accident would not have occurred. A direct causation link between the other vehicle driver's negligence and the damages and injuries caused to the motorcyclist must be shown by the motorcycle victim.

Sometimes, it might not be easy to prove the negligence of the other driver or the other driver may not accept responsibility. In such cases, it becomes important to analyze and evaluate all the surrounding facts and circumstances to prove the other driver's fault. Evidence including eyewitnesses, police reports, and expert opinions are critical in proving the fault in such cases. If you suffered injuries in a no-contact motorcycle accident, learn how a Tennessee no-contact motorcycle accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your legal claims.

Compensation in No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents

In many single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident without stopping and providing their contact information. Sometimes, the driver may be so reckless or negligent that he or she may not even realize that they caused another vehicle to crash due to their fault. However, these circumstances do not prevent the victim from claiming damages for injuries or property damages in a no-contact motorcycle accident.

If the at-fault driver can be traced or identified, then the victim may file a personal injury claim against such driver and attempt to claim compensation for their injuries and losses. However, in cases where the driver flees the scene and cannot be traced, the motorcyclist may be able to secure compensation through his or her own insurance company.

Just like any other motor vehicle accident, the victim of a no-contact motorcycle accident may get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and any future income loss.

Steps To Take After a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident

If you were involved in a no-contact motorcycle accident, you should immediately consider taking the following steps:

  • Seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries or other severe injuries may not show symptoms for days, and therefore, getting a medical evaluation done is essential.
  • Immediately file a police report. If the driver did not stop at the scene, an immediate police report helps to ensure that the investigation is started as soon as possible. If you are able to note down or look at the at-fault driver's license plate, try to memorize the vehicle number.
  • Note down all the details of the accident including the cause, time and place. Take pictures of the accident scene and try to get the contact details of witnesses, if possible.
  • Consider contacting a no-contact motorcycle accident attorney.

Learn How a Tennessee No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Proving fault and claiming compensation in a no-contact motorcycle accident can be complex and requires a thorough evaluation and investigation of the facts and evidence related to the accident. The problem further intensifies if the driver cannot be traced and recovering damages becomes more problematic. If you suffered injuries and losses in a no-contact motorcycle accident, consider contacting our legal team today to learn how a Tennessee No-Contact Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your case.

About the Author

Harlene Labrum

Harlene is focused and passionate about helping those injured in car wrecks.  She earned her J.D. at Nashville School of Law and her Bachelor's degree at State University of New York at Albany, awarded with the highest GPA and high honors.  Harlene began her career in law as a personal injury par...

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