Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable hobby and form of transportation. However, operating a motorcycle also comes with serious risks. Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable on the roads compared to drivers of larger vehicles. When a motorcycle is involved in a multi-vehicle crash, determining who is at fault can be complicated. This article will examine how fault is determined in multi-vehicle motorcycle collisions.
Contributing Factors in Motorcycle Crashes
There are many factors that can contribute to motorcycle crashes involving multiple vehicles. Some common causes include:
- Driver inattention or distraction – A driver may fail to notice a motorcycle and turn into their path. Using a cell phone while driving is a major distraction.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and makes crashes more severe. Speeding is especially dangerous for motorcycles.
- Impaired driving – Intoxicated drivers have slow reaction times and lack proper coordination.
- Dangerous weather – Rain, snow, and ice reduce traction and visibility for all vehicles.
- Reckless driving – Weaving through traffic, tailgating, ignoring traffic signs/signals.
- Mechanical failure – Brake failure, blown tire, etc. can cause a rider to lose control.
- Improper turning – Failing to yield right of way when turning left.
- Lane splitting – Motorcyclists riding between lanes. Drivers may not anticipate it.
- Failure to check blind spots – Drivers who neglect to check over their shoulder for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning.
- Aggressive driving – Excessive speeding, unsafe passing, erratic lane changes. Raises crash risk.
- Overloaded vehicles – When cars or trucks are overloaded, braking and handling are compromised.
- Unlicensed drivers – Operating a vehicle without a valid license suggests lack of training and skill.
Identifying all factors that may have contributed to a motorcycle crash provides critical evidence in determining liability and negligence.
Common Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash Scenarios
There are several common motorcycle crash scenarios involving multiple vehicles:
- A vehicle failing to yield to a motorcycle when turning left at an intersection. The driver fails to spot the oncoming motorcycle and turns into their path.
- A rear-end collision – This often occurs when traffic is stopped and a vehicle does not brake in time and hits the motorcycle from behind.
- A vehicle side-swiping a motorcycle while changing lanes. The driver fails to spot the motorcycle in their blind spot before merging.
- A vehicle door opens into the path of a passing motorcycle. The driver does not check for oncoming traffic before opening their door.
- A vehicle runs a stop sign/traffic signal and collides with the motorcycle entering the intersection.
- Head-on collisions – Typically caused by a vehicle drifting into oncoming traffic.
- T-bone crashes at intersections – One vehicle fails to obey traffic signs or signals and gets struck broadside by a motorcycle.
- Overtaking collisions – A vehicle attempts to pass a motorcycle but misjudges space and makes contact.
- Multi-car pile-ups – Large chain-reaction crashes where motorcycles can get crushed between vehicles.
- Rollover crashes – SUVs and trucks have higher rollover risk, endangering nearby motorcycles.
Thorough investigations help determine what specific crash configuration occurred based on damage patterns, points of impact, and accounts from witnesses and drivers.
Determining Negligence and Liability
When a motorcycle crash involves multiple vehicles, an investigation will be conducted to assign fault and determine who is legally liable for any injuries/damages. Police will determine the sequence of events, identify violations, and issue any traffic citations.
Several factors are considered when determining negligence in multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes:
Which Driver Had the Legal Right of Way?
- A driver is generally expected to yield to motorcycles when turning left at intersections. Running a stop sign or red light typically places a driver at fault.
Did Any Drivers Violate Traffic Laws?
- Examples include speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, drunk driving, etc. Violating traffic laws is a sign of negligence.
Could the Drivers Have Avoided the Crash?
- Even if a motorcycle rider was speeding, an alert driver may have still been able to prevent a collision. Failure to take evasive action can demonstrate negligence.
Did Environmental Factors Influence the Crash?
- Hazards like potholes, debris, poor weather, or sun glare may absolve a driver of full liability. The city/state may share some responsibility for the crash.
Were Any Vehicles Defective or Poorly Maintained?
- Equipment failures like faulty brakes place some burden on the vehicle owner/manufacturer and not just the driver.
Did the Motorcycle Rider Share Any Fault?
- Contributing factors like speeding, impairment, or riding dangerously can still assign partial liability to the motorcyclist.
Were the Drivers Distracted or Impaired?
- Distracted and intoxicated drivers are usually assigned greater negligence in crashes. Their mental state and actions fell below the reasonable standard of care.
Did the Drivers Make Improper Turns or Lane Changes?
- Failing to use turn signals or check mirrors and blind spots shows negligence and carelessness.
What Were the Weather and Road Conditions?
- Hazards like wet roads, fog, sun glare can reduce liability if a driver acted reasonably given the conditions.
Thorough crash investigations and eyewitness accounts help establish a sequence of events to determine each party’s role. While complex, liability can be established so that crash victims receive fair compensation.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence rule to determine compensation when multiple parties share fault for a crash. This means that an injured motorcyclist’s compensation will be reduced based on their percentage of fault, as long as it does not exceed 51% of the total. For example:
- Motorcyclist deemed 25% at fault, driver 75% – Motorcyclist recovers 75% of damages
- Motorcyclist 49% at fault, driver 51% – Motorcyclist recovers 51% of damages
- Motorcyclist deemed 51% or more at fault – Motorcyclist recovers nothing
It is important to account for even slight partial fault by a motorcyclist, as their payout will be reduced under this model. Experienced attorneys consider this when building motorcycle injury claims after multi-vehicle crashes.
Seeking Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
Surviving a major motorcycle crash often means facing significant medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Injured riders have the legal right to pursue compensation for their economic and non-economic damages when the negligence of other drivers contributed to the collision.
Damages that can be recovered after a multi-vehicle motorcycle crash include:
- Medical expenses from injury treatment
- Income loss from missed work
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged motorcycle
- Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Funeral and burial costs in a fatality
An experienced Boston motorcycle accident attorney can help injured victims recover damages after a serious crash involving multiple vehicles.
At Mass Injury Group, we assist clients in establishing negligence, valuing claims, negotiating fair settlements and filing litigation if needed. Our firm provides free case evaluations to discuss the details of a motorcycle crash and determine the best way to pursue compensation for victims. By guiding victims through the legal process, we help ease the burden as they work to physically and emotionally recover after their trauma.
Visit our office today at 15 Broad St #800 Boston, MA 02109.
Or call now for a free consultation on (617) 263-0860.