Not all motorcycle crashes involve a truck or car striking the motorcycle. In some cases, a driver’s negligent actions could cause a motorcyclist's injuries even if there is no contact between the vehicle and the bike.
This type of collision is referred to as a no-contact motorcycle accident. The driver would be responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries if their negligence caused the wreck.
What Is a No-Contact Motorcycle Crash?
In a no-contact motorcycle accident, the motorcycle rider takes an action, such as swerving out of the way or laying down their bike on the road, to try to avoid being struck by the motor vehicle. Here are common scenarios when this type of wreck occurs:
- Unsafe lane change. A negligent driver may cause an unsafe lane change accident by swerving between lanes or failing to signal before pulling in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle rider could swerve out of the way into another lane or off the road and lose control of their bike.
- Failure to yield. No-contact motorcycle crashes can also occur when an at-fault motorist turns left at a traffic signal or stop sign right into the path of a motorcycle rider who has the right of way. The biker could veer out of the way or lay down their motorcycle in an attempt to avoid a collision.
If the motorcyclist can prove the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they would be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Types of damages they could recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity damages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
What Happens If the Motorist Flees the Scene?
The driver could intentionally leave the scene of the accident or continue driving because they did not realize they had caused the crash. If you were the victim and the motorist fled the scene, you would need to take the same steps to protect your right to compensation for your injuries as in other hit-and-run motorcycle accidents. Six important first steps you should take include:
- Get prompt medical care for your injuries.
- Write down details, such as the make, model, and color of the motor vehicle that struck you.
- Call the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Use your cellphone camera to take pictures of your motorcycle, the crash scene, your injuries, and anything else you believe could help you.
- Get the contact information for witnesses to the collision and any information they can provide about the driver or their vehicle.
- Retain an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help locate the hit and run driver and pursue all avenues of compensation available to you.
Were you injured in a no-contact or other motorcycle accident? Contact our Norfolk office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn about your rights and how we can assist you.
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