One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is negligent road construction. Negligent road construction occurs when there are unmarked trenches or potholes. We’ll be looking at common causes of motorcycle accidents in this article. Poor road conditions can lead to accidents, too. These signs can help you avoid getting hurt in a construction zone. Here are some tips for ensuring your safety and your recovery.
Negligent road construction causes motorcycle accidents
While most accidents involving vehicles are caused by improper road construction, there are instances where the driver is negligent. Because motorcycles are less stable than larger vehicles like automobiles, they are more at risk of being involved in an accident. Poorly constructed roads can also have subtle defects such as loose gravel and defective joint sealants. Even debris that is blown onto the road surface from a nearby construction zone or road work site is hazardous. Unlevel roads are more dangerous for smaller motorcycles.
Motorbike accidents can also be caused by poorly marked lane shifts. Unmarked potholes or uneven utility hole covers can hide these hazards. A motorcycle rider might become entangled in a puddle and lose his control. Often, the cyclist may also have a hard time stopping in time to avoid an accident. This is where negligence by the construction company can lead you to a lawsuit.
While negligent drivers are often responsible for accidents caused by motorcycles, other factors also play a role. Sometimes, a negligent driver speeds through red lights or doesn’t check his mirrors before turning left. Occasionally, a drunk motorcycle rider can cause an accident. If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, the Rybak Firm, PLLC may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Poor road conditions
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by poor road conditions and poorly designed construction zones. The owner of the road may be responsible for the accident if the conditions were not properly addressed before they occurred. The owner of the road should have placed warning signs along the roadway to alert motorists of the construction area and ensure that oncoming traffic is properly redirected. Inadequate warnings can lead to a motorcycle accident that results in serious injury or even death.
Drivers should not change lanes while riding in construction zones. Be especially careful of trucks carrying debris. Trucks can cause pavement depressions and slack lanes. You should avoid changing lanes in construction zones. Poor road conditions pose a significant risk to motorcycle riders, and you should conduct a pre-ride safety meeting and read traffic reports to minimize your chances of an accident.
Standing water can hide any defects or other hazards that are visible on the road. Photographs of the accident scene can be helpful in establishing the exact conditions of the road at the time of the crash. In some cases, the government may be responsible for motorcycle accidents resulting from negligent road design or failure to warn motorists of hazardous conditions. If the state or local government is at fault, the motorcycle accident victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and the cost of repairing his or her bike.
Unmarked trenches
While most construction sites use clearly marked trenches, there are many situations where an unmarked one could be equally as dangerous. Heavy rains or workers not inspecting the site thoroughly can make open pits dangerous. Workers might dig into unmarked trenches and rebar could fall into open pits, causing injury to anyone who falls in. It is crucial that the manager or owner of the construction site ensures that trenches are marked, fenced, and secured in these cases.
Motorcycle riders can also be tripped by poorly placed steel plates or grates. Steel plates or grates covering a hole can shift around or shift, presenting an unsafe situation for motorcycle riders. Uneven road edges can lead to a motorcycle accident. A biker who is injured while trying to negotiate a construction zone may also file a claim against a company responsible for the unmarked pits or trenches.
A trench can collapse and cause death in a construction area. It is important that construction sites have the right safety equipment to protect workers. Workers who are hurt must notify their employer within 30 day of the accident. They must wait one year before filing a claim for workers’ compensation. If the worker is injured and has a medical condition, workers’ compensation benefits will cover their medical expenses and lost income.
Unrepaired potholes
The city of Atlanta was warned months before the crash about the dangers of an unrepaired pothole on the road. The city placed a metal plate over the pothole, but it was not repaired until just a few days following the crash. The city recommends that a metal plate be placed over potholes for a minimum of 30 days. The city settled the matter and offered to compensate the victim’s family for their injuries. Similarly, loose gravel spilled by a dump truck can pose a danger to motorcyclists.
You can file a claim against the person responsible if you cause a motorcycle accident in a construction zone due to unrepaired potholes. If you are injured in an accident, you can sue the responsible party, whether it is the state, the federal, or local government agencies. A skilled attorney can help you prove fault, even though it may be difficult to prove.
After an accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. Seeking treatment early can help you identify and treat any injuries that may have been caused by the accident. Unrepaired potholes and uneven utility hole covers can obscure dangerous features. Puddles can also be created by construction activities. These hazards can increase the chance of a motorcycle accident. An experienced riverside motorcycle accident attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Improper road signs
Whenever a construction zone is in progress, drivers must heed the warnings posted by the road construction crews. Motorcycle riders need to be careful when merging into lanes that aren’t blocked by a construction zone sign. It is especially dangerous if the road construction workers are not experienced and do not have the proper training to direct traffic. Motorcyclists may crash into the construction workers when trying to avoid them. It is important for municipalities to post signs for construction zones and other warnings, such as merging lanes.
Improper road signs also make it difficult for motorists to distinguish the construction area from normal traffic. This can lead to chain collisions or pileups. Motorcycle riders are at the highest risk of a construction zone collision, but suing the construction zone sign makers won’t bring a loved one back to life. Pre-ride safety meetings are a good way to reduce the risk of an accident in a construction area. Motorcycle riders should also check traffic reports to identify construction zones that could be blocking traffic.
Drivers should pay particular attention to road signs if the road construction zone is located in the middle of busy highways. They should post warning signs ahead of time so that drivers have time to adjust their speed or change lanes if necessary. Live traffic directing can also save lives. Motorcycle accidents in construction zones may also be caused by improper road signs. These risks can be reduced in several ways.
Gas and electrical explosions
The dangers of a motorcycle accident in a construction zone are many. Not only are powerlines often downed, but they can also drop exposed high-voltage wire onto a motorcycle. A motorcycle does not have a roll cage and is therefore totally exposed to the potential for snapping, bending, and whipping wire. There is also the possibility of an underground electric vault explosion.
An explosion can cause fire, heat and flying debris to be immediate dangers. A person who witnesses an explosion can be seriously injured, as well as suffer extensive property damage and financial loss. The person who caused the explosion could be held responsible for the damages. Faulty wiring and hazardous chemicals are often responsible for electrical explosions. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you sustain any injuries.
Explosions at construction sites can cause extensive damage, including death. Explosives can be created by chemicals, especially when heavy equipment collides underground pipelines. Even small explosions can cause serious injuries. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) tracks construction site fires and explosions, and it estimates that over 36 people die every year in construction-related explosions. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk.