When people hear someone saying, “I had a motorcycle accident,” they usually presume that the motorcyclist had a collision with another motorcycle or a motor vehicle. However, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents are not uncommon in Orange County, CA.
Many motorcycle riders lose control of their bikes and crash due to reckless driving by other motorists around – and normally, the other motorist walks away without a scratch and with no damage to their vehicle.
Although a motorcyclist crashes their bike without crashing into another vehicle, it does not signify the other driver is not liable for the “no contact” collision. Not every car accident involves a collision between two motor vehicles. Many are single-vehicle incidents resulting from various factors such as animals crossing the road, defects in the roadway, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, and other hazards. Such accidents are also known as no-contact motorcycle accidents.
How Do No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
A no-contact motorcycle accident occurs when the actions of another party lead to a motorcyclist crashing, even though there is no physical collision between them.
For example, if a driver runs a red light, forcing a motorcyclist to swerve abruptly to avoid a collision, resulting in the motorcyclist losing control and crashing, this would constitute a no-contact motorcycle accident.
In this situation, the driver could be held accountable for the damage caused to the motorcyclist and their bike – even if the person riding a bike crashed it to the ground before even striking the vehicle. In this example, the driver who ran the red light would be responsible for the wreck caused due to negligent driving, regardless of never hitting the vehicle.
Another example of this type of collision is a hazardous lane change. A motorist can be at fault for a motorcycle accident. He or she may have a hard time seeing a bike that’s in his or her blind spot and may merge swiftly without giving a warning sign or turn signal. As a result, it compels the motorcyclist to switch to another lane, potentially leading to an unwanted collision.
It is up to motor vehicle drivers to use their judgment and prudence while driving their vehicles all the time. Otherwise, they could engage in reckless or perilous practices that can make a no-contact car accident happen.
What are the Common Causes of No Contact Motorcycle Accidents?
No contact motorcycle accidents can take place for various reasons. Unpredicted circumstances and drivers’ reckless behavior can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle and sustain a serious injury, albeit you may practice defensive riding.
Below are some of the most common causes of no-contact motorcycle accidents.
- Speeding or weaving between lanes
- Merging on top of a bike
- Brake-checking a motorcyclist
- Making a hazardous pass
- Cutting off a motorcycle
- Riding too close to a motorcycle
- Making a risky lane change
Reckless or negligent actions on the road can significantly endanger a motorcyclist’s life. If a motorcyclist encounters a hazard and is forced to take evasive action, such as swerving, laying down the bike, or veering off the road, the driver who instigated this risk could be held liable for the resulting crash, even without any physical contact with the motorcycle. This is because the driver’s careless behavior compelled the motorcyclist to take emergency measures. Consequently, when a driver’s recklessness indirectly causes a motorcycle accident, they may be deemed responsible for a no-contact collision.
At Motorcycle Accident Attorney Orange County, Our team possesses the expertise, experience, and unwavering dedication required to manage your case effectively. With our practice in motorcycle accident law, we have the capability to pinpoint the precise cause of the crash. If you have suffered significant injuries or broken bones, we are equipped to assist you in securing recovery from the party at fault.
