Uneven Pavement Accidents
In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that about 14% of fatal traffic accidents involved a motorcycle. Motorcycles are small and do not offer a protective barrier like a car. This means that road hazards, such as potholes or uneven pavement, can pose a real danger to motorcycle riders.
If a car runs over uneven pavement, it causes it to bump or shake, which could result in damage. The consequences are far worse if a motorcyclist drives in the same area. Such an accident can result in motorcyclists being severely injured or killed.
The Most Common Causes of Uneven Pavement
Regardless of the precautions a biker may take, there are still slight chances of colliding with unexpected or unseen road hazards. Any sudden change between the road levels could potentially harm the motorcyclists and cause an accident. The most common causes of uneven pavement include:
- Wear and tear: roads may crumble and weaken due to normal wear and tear
- Construction projects: companies may dig up portions of the road to lay a new access line or asphalt
- Weather erosion: water can weaken the soil underneath streets, so cracks may appear or be made worse when raining
- Edge breaks: such breaks occur when adjoining lanes are at different levels
With uneven pavements or debris on the road, it is no surprise that motorcycle riders need an increased level of awareness while on the road. One slight mistake, and you could seriously get injured in a motorcycle accident. If that happens, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Call our personal injury attorneys at Grossman Law Offices for a free consultation.
How to Identify Who Is at Fault for Your Motorcycle Accident?
You can be involved in a motorcycle accident that is caused only by an improperly maintained road. However, depending on the facts of your motorcycle accident, not every uneven pavement or pothole can lead to a possible lawsuit.
Negligence is challenging to analyze and determine in an uneven pavement accident case. In most cases, it matters how long the uneven pavement was, whether the government had noticed it, and how long authorities were aware of the issue. That’s why meeting with a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney at Grossman Law Offices is helpful. Our legal team may need to perform a preliminary investigation of your motorcycle accident and its circumstances to learn more about the uneven pavement.
Moreover, before filing your personal injury claim, you must determine who the responsible party is that failed to keep the road in good condition. Roads are either private or public, so California’s premises liability laws will apply if you have been injured on a private road. If the owner of the road has not properly maintained it and invited you on the street, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and bring your case to court.
Separately, if you have been injured on a public road, then you may be able to sue the state or local governments responsible for the road’s maintenance. However, you will need to identify the proper agency for bringing your motorcycle accident claim against. For instance, most government agencies hire private construction companies to take care of the road work, so they might be responsible for your injuries.
At Grossman Law Offices, we can determine who’s negligence has created a hazard that resulted in your crash and contributed to your injuries. Contact our legal team to schedule a free initial consultation and evaluation of your case.
Why Should You Contact a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney?
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident due to uneven pavement, the struggle to recover the monetary compensation can be unbearable. While as a motorcycle rider, you may experience a lot of freedom on the road, that freedom often comes with added danger. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be eligible to seek compensation for your losses and injuries. You don’t have to fight for your rights alone. A Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer from Grossman Law Offices can work to hold the responsible party accountable while you focus on your recovery.
When you contact Grossman Law Offices, we can start investigating the causes of your motorcycle accident, determine the at-fault parties, advocate on your behalf, and, if necessary, fight for your compensation in a trial. It is advisable to have an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney by your side. We can be reached by calling (866) 982-5094.
