Understanding Motorcycle Accidents: Causes, Legal Rights

Fairbanks, Alaska Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Riding a motorcycle should be a fun, enjoyable way to relax and explore the beautiful state of Alaska. We know there are safety risks—motorcycles lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, leaving you exposed to the elements and the open road. And if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you probably feel scared and uncertain. An injury can affect your life.

 How will you provide financial support for your family? How will you afford the cost of your medical bills for injuries that require long-term treatment? How will you get back to doing the things you love? It’s important if you experience a motorcycle accident, you contact a Fairbanks motorcycle accident lawyer from Ringstad Law Office, P.C. to fully understand your rights.

Call us now tel:(907) 891-7201 or fill out the contact form to get started on your path to justice. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter, safer future.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Difficult Time Alone

At Ringstad Law Office, P.C., we help Alaska residents like you who have been hurt or who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. You don’t have to settle for whatever the insurance company is willing to offer you; we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters most: recovering. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to giving you peace of mind. We will listen to you. We will respect you. We will defend you.

Our Motorcycle Accident Injury Process

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, we hope you will seek legal counsel as soon as possible. We will discuss your rights based on your unique situation.

Several things our motorcycle accident lawyers can do for you are to advise you of your legal options, gather information, and prepare for trial if necessary. Cases typically settle when the insurance company knows you’re ready and willing to go to trial. The insurance company will likely pay fair compensation to avoid going to trial, so it is important to prepare your case. If the case can’t be settled through negotiation, we’ll defend you—all the way to court.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get?

The cost of treating your injuries can be astronomical, and you may not have the resources to pay for treatment. If you’ve suffered from injuries or lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, you should seek compensation for your losses. Damages for your injuries could include the following:

• Loss of earnings
• Loss of future earnings
• Past medical bills
• Cost of future medical care
• Loss of property
• Pain and suffering

If your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive wrongful death damages, which could include the following:

• Medical bills before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of financial contribution

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from factors that can impact a rider’s safety. One of the most common causes is distracted driving. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted, they often fail to notice motorcyclists, who are smaller and less visible than cars. This can lead to collisions, especially in situations where drivers change lanes or make turns without checking their surroundings.

• Speeding is another significant factor. Many motorcyclists enjoy the thrill of speed, but excessive velocity reduces reaction time and increases the severity of an accident. It also makes it harder to safely navigate curves, intersections, or unexpected obstacles in the road. In Alaska, with its winding roads and variable terrain, speeding can be especially dangerous.
• Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination, all of which are critical for safe motorcycle operation. Riding under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, can have similar effects.
• Weather conditions also play a major role in accidents. In Alaska, where rain, snow, and ice are common, road surfaces can become slippery, reducing traction and increasing the likelihood of losing control. Fog and low visibility further complicate riding conditions, making it difficult to see hazards or other vehicles.
• Poor road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris can be hazardous to motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles are less stable on these surfaces, and a sudden jolt or loss of control can easily lead to an accident.

Alaska Motorcycle Laws and Regulations

In Alaska, motorcyclists must follow specific laws designed to ensure safety on the road. One of the most important is the state’s helmet law, which mandates that all motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets while riding. This law is enforced to reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash.

Motorcyclists are also required to obtain a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. This endorsement ensures that riders have passed the necessary knowledge and skills tests, demonstrating their ability to operate a motorcycle safely.

Additionally, mandatory insurance coverage is required for all vehicles, including motorcycles. Motorcyclists must carry liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage caused in an accident. Alaska law also includes coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists, which can protect riders in the event they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance.

Riders must also comply with traffic laws specific to motorcyclists, such as staying in their lane, using turn signals, and not splitting lanes. Understanding these laws is crucial not only for safety but also for protecting one’s rights in the event of an accident.

How to Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex, but it is crucial for ensuring fair compensation. The first step is to gather evidence that supports the victim’s version of events. This includes police reports, which document the accident scene, the statements of involved parties, and any citations issued. Officers may also note factors like road conditions or signs of impaired driving, which could be important in establishing fault.

• Witness testimonies can also play a vital role in proving fault. Eyewitnesses who saw the accident or its aftermath can provide valuable insight into what happened. Video footage from nearby cameras, such as from traffic lights or security cameras, can also be instrumental in clarifying the circumstances leading to the crash.
• In some cases, accident reconstruction might be necessary. This involves experts who can analyze the physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage, to reconstruct how the accident occurred. This process helps determine which party’s actions led to the crash.

It’s essential to have experienced legal counsel to help gather and present this evidence effectively. By proving fault, a motorcycle accident victim can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Understanding the complexities of proving fault can provide clarity and reassurance during a challenging time.

Compensation is dependent upon the facts and details of your case. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. will work with you to determine the best action and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us now tel:(907) 891-7201 or fill out the contact form to get started on your path to justice. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter, safer future.