Can You Be Partially at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you could be partially at fault for a motorcycle accident if your actions contributed in some way to the incident. Determining liability requires a careful examination of various factors such as rider behavior, road conditions, and the actions of other involved parties. Furthermore, state laws outline if you can be partially responsible for the crash and your available compensation.

Zanes Law understands the challenges you may be facing after an accident. Our legal team can handle your case from A to Z so you can concentrate on getting better. Call our Pheonix motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case review.

Attributing Fault Under State Negligence Laws

The negligence system each state follows determines if you can be partially at fault for a motorcycle accident. A personal injury lawyer familiar with local laws will review how these impact your chances of seeking justice.

Comparative Negligence

Under these legal principles, the degree of responsibility for a motorcycle accident is assigned to each party involved based on their actions. Most states use a variation of this system. There are two main types of comparative negligence: pure comparative negligence and modified comparative negligence.

In pure comparative negligence states (such as Arizona, Alaska, and California), individuals can seek compensation regardless of their level of fault, with damages reduced in proportion to their degree of responsibility.

On the other hand, modified comparative negligence (used in states like Colorado, Utah, and Nevada) sets a threshold, usually at 50% or 51%. Individuals are barred from recovery if their fault exceeds this limit.

Contributory Negligence

Unlike comparative negligence, which allows for a proportional assignment of fault, contributory negligence takes a more strict approach. Under contributory negligence, if an individual is found to have contributed to the motorcycle accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.

This all-or-nothing view places a substantial burden on victims to prove their complete innocence. Contributory negligence is a relatively harsh doctrine, as it does not consider a proportional fault. Few states follow this system, including Virginia, Maryland, and Alabama.

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Can You Still Recover Compensation If You Are Partially At Fault?

Depending on your state laws, you could claim damages, even if you contributed to the motorcycle crash. An experienced attorney will review all your options to receive money and help you file a winning claim.

Damages Under Comparative Negligence Laws

If the motorcycle accident happened in a state that follows the comparative negligence system, you could still receive compensation even if you were partially responsible. However, local laws will determine just how much you can get from the full amount.

In states like Arizona, which follow the pure comparative negligence system, you could secure damages if you contributed to the crash as long as you are not fully responsible. The court determines the degree of fault attributed to each party and distributes compensation based on this percentage.

For example, if the initial amount for your motorcycle accident damages was $25,000, but you were found to be 60% at fault, you could still receive 40% of the award. That means that you could get $10,000.

Pursuing damages in modified comparative negligence states is more difficult. This system has a more nuanced approach to financial recovery based on partial fault, which makes legal representation all the more important. This framework sets a limit on the plaintiff’s percentage of fault (usually 50% or 51%) for seeking damages. If you exceed that limit, you can no longer recover your losses.

Damages Under Contributory Negligence Laws

Damages under contributory negligence laws can be particularly challenging for individuals seeking compensation in personal injury cases. If an individual is found to have contributed to a motorcycle crash, they may be barred from recovering compensation.

Challenges in Determining Partial Fault

It can be difficult to establish fault without professional legal help. One commonly cited problem is the subjective nature of factors involved, such as rider behavior and adherence to traffic regulations. Differentiating between the actions of the motorcyclist and other involved parties, including drivers of larger vehicles, adds complexity to the assessment of fault.

Other possible issues in determining partial responsibility after a motorcycle accident include:

• Road conditions
• Maneuverability of motorcycles
• Varying perspectives of involved parties
• Lack of standardized guidelines
• Disputes among parties
• External factors affecting motorcycle dynamics

Furthermore, different individuals may perceive the sequence of events differently based on their vantage points, experiences, and personal perspectives. Biases can influence the way events are recalled or interpreted, potentially leading to discrepancies in eyewitness accounts.

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The Benefits of Working With Motorcycle Accident Lawyers If You Are Partially at Fault

Motorcycle riders are more exposed to injury during an accident due to the inherent vulnerability of their mode of transportation. Unlike occupants of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists lack the protective barrier of a car’s frame, leaving them exposed to external forces in the event of a collision.

While recovering your losses hinges on taking action, doing so can be discouraging when you are in the middle of a difficult recovery. However, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone.

Zanes Law understands that handling the legal aftermath of any traffic accident without professional guidance can be overwhelming. Our legal team offers compassionate support to injured victims like you. We are proud to have a long history of winning cases, and we continue to fight for maximum settlement for every client.

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Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, our team will help you navigate the legal process. Zanes Law brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every case. Our skilled attorneys can handle negotiations with insurance companies and present a convincing case in court.

Time is of the essence, and by reaching out to our motorcycle accident lawyers immediately, you gain a dedicated ally in your battle for a fair settlement. Contact us today to discuss your options.

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