When asked what caused their collision with a motorcyclist, the drivers of the larger vehicle might say, “I didn’t see them.” In the case of an accident that occurred during a time or circumstance of limited visibility, this invalid excuse may indeed be true. No matter the road or visibility conditions, though, every driver is responsible for his or her actions.
Even a small lapse in vision or attention can cause a driver of a larger vehicle to overlook a smaller vehicle. That’s why it’s so important for motorcyclists to do their best to stay visible and be alert to the other (often distracted) drivers on the road, as you well know.
We know you value your safety and want what’s best for you and your family. If you or your loved one was injured in a Boston motorcycle accident during a time of limited visibility, you are likely facing a long road of recovery with high medical bills and abrupt changes to your life. However, you don’t have to face these things alone.
The Boston motorcycle accident attorneys at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers are here for you, ready to protect your rights. With 70 years of combined experience, we stand ready to help you face the future with hope. If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident with limited visibility, we can help you determine whether you have a case. Call us today at 800-577-5188 to arrange your free consultation, whether at our Boston office, over the phone, online, or at a place convenient for you.
What Causes Limited Visibility Accidents
Limited visibility motorcycle accidents happen when another driver fails to see and yield to a motorcyclist. Almost 70 percent of these types of accidents occur at intersections. Even when there are no weather factors affecting visibility, motorcyclists drive at a higher risk of being missed by other drivers. These odds do not improve when visibility decreases.
In addition to limited visibility motorcycle accidents that occur at intersections, many also happen on highways in dense fog. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing highly visible gear, fog during the day or night can sufficiently obscure the motorcycle so that a car driver who is not completely focused may fail to yield to the motorcycle’s right of way.
In addition to these circumstances, drivers may struggle to see motorcyclists if the driver is distracted, impaired, or drowsy. Distracted driving is a scourge to modern-day drivers, with most of us glued to various electronic devices throughout the day. Impaired driving is when the driver is on the road after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Driving while tired is another risk, as drowsy driving has been a contributing factor in many Boston motorcycle accidents.
Whatever the circumstances or contributing factors to your motorcycle crash, even limited visibility is no excuse for a driver to cause an accident with a motorcyclist. When a driver fails to see and yield to a legal motorcycle rider, that driver may be found liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries.
Determining what caused your limited visibility motorcycle accident will be the first step in Jason Stone Injury Lawyers’ investigation. Contact our Boston personal injury lawyers today to get started on your case.
How To Prevent a Motorcycle Accident With Limited Visibility
While some weather conditions make low visibility especially hard to avoid, motorcyclists can do their part to prevent limited visibility accidents by following several guidelines:
- When possible, avoid riding in dense fog, at night, or during other extreme weather conditions
- Always use your lights
- Wear bright-colored clothes
- Use a light-reflective helmet
- Add reflective tape or reflectors to your bike
- Be aware of the vehicles around you
- Avoid riding in other drivers’ blind spots
- Don’t tailgate
- Choose the lane that allows for maximum visibility at multi-lane intersections
By following these suggestions, motorcyclists can decrease their risk for an accident during limited visibility conditions. When passenger vehicle drivers and motorcyclists work together to share the road responsibly, motorcycle crashes can be prevented.
What To Do After a Low Visibility Motorcycle Accident
If you or your loved one was involved in a motorcycle crash due to limited visibility, you may be unsure of what to do next. First, it’s important that you remain calm and remember the following simple guidelines:
- Call the police and get medical attention
- Get the contact information from the other driver and any witnesses
- Avoid talking about or posting about the accident as much as possible
- Call Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, experienced motorcycle accident lawyers
By following these steps, you can greatly increase your chances for recovery.
Also, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations, or time limit, in Massachusetts on injury claims to be filed is 3 years from the crash date. Although it may seem like you have plenty of time, time is of the essence when building a successful personal injury case. By contacting our legal team as soon as possible after your accident, we can work with well-preserved evidence and have a better chance of finding witnesses.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we know that the time following a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and stressful. But we have the confidence necessary which comes from experience in handling many motorcycle claims, including those with limited visibility complications. We know what it takes to win the maximum compensation for our clients. Dial (800) 577-5188 or fill out our free online form, and let us get to work on your case today.
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After a limited visibility motorcycle accident, the other driver’s insurance company may try to shift the blame from their client to weather or road conditions. However, we know that drivers who fail to show the standard of care necessary when operating a vehicle must be held accountable for their actions.
If you don’t know where to turn after your Boston motorcycle accident, turn to Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. Our free consultation at a time and place convenient for you can help you determine your next steps. There is No Obligation, Just Information® in connection with your session.
What’s more, we offer our clients our Stone Cold Guarantee® that includes working on a contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid until you do.
We are there for our clients every day, and we want to help protect your rights. Call us today at (800) 577-5188.