If you've ever been a passenger in a motorcycle accident, you understand the confusion and fear that can result. The aftermath of such an incident can be filled with uncertainty, especially when it comes to questions of liability and your rights. At the Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan, we want to help you avoid legal trouble following accidents that involve personal injury. In this blog post, we'll guide you through what you need to know as a passenger involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, you have the same rights as any other victim of personal injury. You can indeed file a claim, either against the operator of the motorcycle, another driver involved in the accident, or potentially against a third party if they were the cause of the accident. The nature of your claim can vary based on the details of the accident. Personal injury claims and wrongful death claims are the most common types of lawsuits filed by passengers involved in motorcycle accidents. A personal injury claim can be filed if you have suffered any physical or emotional trauma due to the accident, whereas a wrongful death claim can be filed by the relatives of a passenger who tragically lost their life in an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring that all necessary details are included and deadlines are met.
The issue of liability is often complex in motorcycle accidents. Several parties could potentially be held accountable for your injuries. For instance, if the operator of the motorcycle was driving recklessly or under the influence, they would be liable. Alternatively, another driver could be responsible if they failed to follow traffic rules, leading to the collision. Even a motorcycle manufacturer could be held liable if a mechanical defect in the vehicle caused the accident. Sometimes, multiple parties share the liability. For example, if the motorcyclist was speeding but another driver was distracted and pulled out in front of them, both could be found partially responsible. This shared responsibility could impact the amount of damages you're entitled to recover.
Contrary to popular belief, a passenger can sometimes be held liable for a motorcycle accident. If you, as a passenger, knowingly rode with an impaired driver or your actions distracted the driver, you could bear some responsibility for the accident. Understanding this can be critical in understanding how your actions can influence the outcome of any claims.
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, here are the essential steps you should follow:
When it comes to your safety and legal rights, being informed is your best defense. If you or someone you know has been harmed in a motorcycle accident, please call the Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan today. Our team of legal professionals is ready to help. Contact our office for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer in your community.
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