Question: I was riding a motorcycle and were in an accident when a car turned left in front of me. Who was at fault?
Answer: a car making a left turn is generally liable for a collision with a vehicle going straight and in the other direction. Exceptions apply if the vehicle going straight broke traffic laws.
Question: what does comparative negligence mean when deciding who was at fault for a traffic accident?
Answer: comparative negligence apportions fault among the drivers involved in an accident based on their contributions to the accident. Comparative negligence tends to apply in motorcycle accidents when the cycle’s headlamp or tail light is out, and the accident occurred at night.
Question: will health insurance coverage or paid sick leave limit my settlement amount?
Answer: no, these will not affect your settlement amount. Just remember that you will be required to reimburse your insurance company for any money they paid you when you get your settlement
Question: What should I do if I am involved in an accident on my motorcycle?
Answer: you want to preserve your rights, so don’t sign anything. Also, don’t admit to the fault for anything. Take photos of any bodily injuries or property damage. Keep copies of all documentation related to the accident.
Question: I ride a motorcycle for recreation, generally only on the weekends. Do I need to wear a helmet?
Answer: it depends on where you live. However, most states require you to wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle. You may want to call your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if your state has a motorcycle helmet law.
Question: I was hurt in a motorcycle accident but did not wear a helmet. Can I still get a settlement from the other driver?
Answer: yes, you’ll still be able to recover damages even if your state has a helmet law for motorcycle riders. However, your settlement may be reduced if it was proven that not wearing a helmet was what contributed to your injuries.
Question: How do I know if my motorcycle helmet meets my state’s motorcycle helmet laws?
Answer: you want to look for a helmet with a DOT on it. That means it’s approved by the US Department of Transportation. The manufacturer must meet or exceed federal safety standards to earn the DOT rating.
Question: Can the state legally tell me I must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle?
Answer: yes, since these laws are court-sanctioned, they’re designed to protect the public’s general interest.
Question: Do I have to notify the police if I’ve been involved in a traffic accident?
Answer: yes, if the accident results in property damage or bodily injuries/death above a certain amount.
Question: Should I hire an injury lawyer in Guelph to help me if I have been involved in a motorcycle accident?
Answer: Yes, since that person will help you understand if you can claim a settlement and how much.
