Motorcyclists confront numerous hazards on West Virginia roads, and accidents are far too frequent. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, reach out to Kaufman & McPherson. Our firm has experience bringing personal injury claims for those injured by motorcycle hazards. By scheduling a free consultation, you can obtain objective advice about the strength of your claim and identify what steps to take. Contact our West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights.
What Are the Most Dangerous Motorcycle Road Hazards?
1. Potholes
Too many roads in West Virginia are falling apart. Our extreme weather contributes to the breakdown of asphalt. In winter, the ground under a road can shift when it freezes and then again when it thaws. Ultimately, roads begin to crumble, and potholes can develop. Potholes can form on any road or parking lot, but are most common on secondary roads and side streets.
One of the dangers of riding a motorcycle is losing control when you hit an obstruction in the road. A deep pothole could send a motorcyclist pinwheeling through the air, or your bike could slide off the road. Motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries, including concussions, back injuries, broken bones, and road rash.
Ideally, the state’s Department of Transportation would fill potholes as soon as they develop, but there isn’t enough money to constantly repave roads. Also, potholes can develop in under a year, depending on the conditions.
2. Construction Debris
Debris on the road is a major motorcycle hazard. A four-wheel vehicle might ride comfortably over debris like lumber or tools. But a motorcyclist can lose all control and crash. Motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries, such as organ damage or back injuries.
Responsibility lies with the construction company that is performing the construction. If they were hired by the government, then the government could have ultimate legal liability.
3. Improperly Designed Work Zones
West Virginia sees plenty of road work, which typically shuts down one lane, backing up traffic. Motorists need notice of an upcoming work zone so they can hit the brakes and not crash into cars already stopped up ahead.
Unfortunately, many work zones are set up improperly. They lack signage or have barriers positioned in the wrong spot. A motorist could crash their vehicle when moving through a poorly designed construction zone.
4. Snow and Ice
Riding a motorcycle is always risky in the winter months. Snow and ice reduce traction, and a motorcycle can easily slide off the road. Even worse, you might be run over by another vehicle right behind you, which cannot brake in time. Motorcyclists suffer broken bones and possibly crush injuries.
Generally, the government is not responsible for Mother Nature, and you can’t sue simply because the road had snow or ice. But there might be exceptions. For example, you could get into a crash because of ice accumulation in a parking lot. The lot owner is liable for hazards on its property. They must use reasonable care to clear the ice and snow.
5. Obstructed Signs
Road signs might be obstructed due to overhanging limbs that block the sign. A motorcyclist could fail to stop because they cannot see the sign, or another motorist might fail to stop and crash into them. These accidents often happen at intersections, and motorcyclists can suffer a broken pelvis, whiplash, or leg injury.
6. Crumbling Shoulders
Motorcyclists often ride close to the shoulder to avoid motor vehicles that might drift over the center line. Unfortunately, some shoulders are crumbling, which can cause a dramatic shift in weight when the motorcyclist hits gravel. The bike might flip, leading to a cervical fracture or other devastating injury.
7. Negligent Drivers
We can’t overlook that other motorists on the road are a serious threat to the safety of motorcyclists. Careless drivers can fail to pay attention to where they are going, so they collide with motorcyclists or pull right in front of them, forcing you to take defensive action.
Driver negligence takes many forms, but cell phone use is a serious problem. A driver scrolling through texts or talking on the phone will not see a motorcyclist stopped at a light. Even if their eyes are on the road, many motorists are mentally distracted by the conversation.
Collisions can happen anywhere, but intersections are common. A motorcyclist can suffer any traumatic injury from a crash, from contusions and sprains to whiplash and broken bones.
8. Dangerous Drivers
Some drivers are not merely careless; they are aggressive toward motorcyclists. They might even feel road rage that they must share the road with someone on a motorcycle.
Dangerous, aggressive drivers are a serious threat to public safety. They can:
- Cut off a motorcyclist
- Follow too closely
- Run a red light
- Deliberately bump a motorcycle
Injured motorcyclists can sue dangerous drivers, just as they can negligent ones. We might even demand punitive damages as a form of punishment if the defendant drove with “actual malice” or showed conscious indifference to your safety. (W. Va. § 55-7-29.)
Can You Seek Compensation?
Whether you can sue will depend on who is responsible for the road hazards that caused the accident. It is easy to bring a claim against a negligent or reckless motorist. Similarly, you might sue if a work zone was improperly designed or a construction company left debris in the road.
Call Kaufman & McPherson so we can investigate. There are closer questions when a pothole or snow causes an accident. We need certain evidence, such as photos of the hazard.
We can submit a claim for various injuries, including organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.
Speak with a West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists suffer significant injuries in a variety of collisions. Injured victims should hire a law firm that understands their needs. Call our experienced attorneys at Kaufman & McPherson. We have served the 26330 zip code for years and can negotiate a settlement with the person responsible for your collision and injuries.
