Vehicle collision cases usually involve automobiles, trucks or other vehicles with more than 2 wheels. The most commonly used accident reconstruction methods are primarily applied with the 4 wheeled vehicle in mind. Vehicle weight, tire size, tread pattern, road conditions, equipment condition and weather are all important additional factors that may apply only to motorcycles or their riders. A critical factor often overlooked is the rider's skill level. Those unfamiliar with motorcycles frequently overlook the fact that a rider's skill plays a much larger role in what happens in a motorcycle collision than what happens in a car crash. For example, the level of rider skill and knowledge of the importance of using one brake or two, disengaging the clutch or not, angle of lean, road conditions, eye protection, head gear, weather factors, etc., are all items that non-riders easily overlook.
When an insurance company reviews your claim or when the jury hears your case, the question of your own negligence may arise. Your claim may be seriously devalued or, worse yet, completely disregarded when the rider’s skill factors are ignored. Attorneys at FBMH are not only experienced in injury law but are also experienced in the operation of motorcycles. They know what you know as riders. This knowledge gives your attorney the winning edge in presenting your claim.
In 2004, 3,927 motorcyclists died in on-road accidents, compared to 3,661 in 2003. That is a 7.3% increase and represents 9.2% of the approximately 42,800 total highway deaths last year.
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