Motorcycle Accidents Involving Potholes
It is not unusual for road safety to be compromised by hazards such as cracks, debris, or potholes. While something like a pothole may be a nuisance for a four-wheeled vehicle, it could be extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders. A pothole could throw a motorcycle off balance and cause an accident resulting in catastrophic or deadly injuries.
Victims of motorcycle accidents involving potholes can work with a motorcycle accident attorney to seek financial compensation for damages. The attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau in Daytona Beach, FL, are happy to help clients explore their legal options.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Potholes are dangerous to motorcyclists because the wheels of a motorcycle could get caught in the pothole and throw the bike off balance. Since motorcycles do not offer any type of shield or protection, riders are prone to serious injuries, even if an accident takes place at low speeds. And if a motorcycle is traveling at high speeds when it strikes a pothole, injuries could be even worse.
Potential injuries from a motorcycle accident involving potholes include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck injury
- Contusions or lacerations
- Road rash
Additional Accident Damages
Injuries and the pain and suffering that they cause are only some of the potential damages that can be incurred after a motorcycle accident involving potholes. Depending on the circumstances of each accident, our clients may be due compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses (surgical fees, hospital stay, prescription medication, etc.)
- Cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
- The cost of any necessary medical equipment, such as a wheelchair
- Lost wages
- Loss of wage-earning potential
Liability for Motorcycle Accidents Involving Potholes
Most motorcycle accidents involving potholes are singular vehicle accidents. If no other drivers are involved in the accident, motorcyclists may assume that liability for the collision will fall on their shoulders. However, most roads should be maintained by city, state, or federal governments. It is their responsibility to examine roads regularly and respond to any reports of damage in a timely manner.
If a municipality had knowledge of a pothole and failed to correct the problem in a timely manner, they may be held responsible for any accidents or the damages they cause. Proving that there was prior knowledge of the pothole can be tricky, which is why it is helpful to work with a knowledgeable accident attorney, such as those at our Daytona Beach practice. We can investigate past communications to determine if the city, state, or other government entity had prior knowledge of the pothole, and if they had time to respond to the situation and failed to do so.
If we are able to show that another party was responsible for the motorcycle accident, we will aggressively fight for financial compensation for our clients. We will consider all avenues of financial, physical, and emotional loss to reach a just settlement.
Contact Us
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau are committed to helping clients collect the compensation they are due for accident damages. If you have been injured in an accident and would like to learn more about your legal options, send us a message at your earliest convenience or call (386) 258-7313.