If a motorcycle passenger is harmed in a crash, he or she has a number of avenues to choose from in order to get the compensation they deserve. This could include: filing an injury claim against another motorist, going after the person who was controlling the motorcycle, suing a manufacturer or city, or collecting from one's own insurance company. Read below to get some further insight into how each process could work.
Filing an Injury Claim Against Another Motorist: On the other hand, your accident may have been the result of a car driver who failed to see the motorcycle. The NHTSA has observed that one of the top reasons for a motorcycle-car accident is that the car driver was unaware of the motorcyclist's presence, such as when entering an intersection, making a turn, etc. In such instances, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable motorist.
Going After the Person Operating the Motorcycle: Too often, it is a bad judgment call on the part of a rider that leads to a devastating accident. This could mean neglecting to use turn signals, driving with the lights off in the dark, speeding, etc. You may be able to submit an injury claim to that person's insurer.
Suing a Mechanic or Manufacturer: Perhaps your brakes gave out due to a poor repair job, or perhaps the manufacturer produced a defectively designed vehicle. If your motorcycle accident can be blamed on a designer, manufacturer, or mechanic, then you may be able to seek compensation from these parties.
Suing a City: You might have a claim against your municipality if the roads were dangerous, and this is what led to your crash. This could mean defects in a bridge, potholes, etc. Depending on the details of your case, you might have a case against a town, county, or perhaps your state.
Collecting from Your Own Insurance Company: Finally, if you live in a state that has a "no-fault" system when it comes to insurance, your own policy should cover you, no matter who caused the accident. Or, if the driver who caused your accident has deficient coverage, or no coverage at all, you may be able to collect compensation from an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.
Determining your possible choices means that you have to fully understand your insurance policy, and perhaps the policies of others as well. You need to understand how fault for the accident affects your case, and you also need to be aware of what you could be owed in compensation. You also need to know the deadlines in your case, as it can expire. You can get the answers you need to these and more when you talk with a trusted personal injury attorney. Don't hesitate to look through our directory for the legal advice you need today!