If you suffered damages in a crash because of another driver’s or entity’s negligence, there may be several parties who can be sued in a motorcycle accident case. Victims of motorcycle accidents typically focus on filing a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. While this is the usual route, consider that there could be other liable parties who caused or played a role in your collision, such as a:
- A government entity, like a municipality
- Business, like a trucking or construction company
- Vehicle manufacturer
A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can help you identify the liable party based on the evidence in your case. You may also be able to go after several parties in your lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of your accident.
A Negligent Driver Might Be Responsible for Your Damages
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the overwhelming majority of accidents happen due to critical driver error or driver-related causes. A driver can be found negligent when they:
- Drive drunk or under the influence of drugs
- Fall asleep at the wheel
- Speed or drive too fast for weather and road conditions
- Ignore traffic signs and signals
- Drive generally recklessly
If a drunk, speeding, or otherwise negligent driver caused your accident and injuries, you could seek to hold them responsible through a motorcycle accident lawsuit. However, victims will have to prove the negligence of the at-fault party with conclusive evidence.
You Could Sue a Local Government Agency
Not all accidents happen due to an individual’s negligence or carelessness. If an accident happened due to poor road conditions, you could potentially have a claim against the local government body responsible for road maintenance and safety. Motorcycles can be particularly vulnerable to road defects, such as potholes and cracks in the tarmac.
Such defects can potentially cause devastating injuries as well as considerable damage to a motorcycle. And while suing a government entity can be challenging, it is not impossible in the state of California. However, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs (DCBA), you will have to file a claim for damages with the appropriate government agency first.
Since holding local government to account can be tough and typically requires timely action, consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm who knows how to handle such claims. They can advise you accordingly and ensure you follow the appropriate steps.
A Company May Be Liable in Your Accident Case
Motorcycle collisions sometimes involve company cars, business vehicles, and commercial trucks. If a driver was on the clock when an accident happened, their employer could be partially or wholly responsible for an accident victim’s damages. When it comes to collisions involving commercial vehicles, victims could potentially go after multiple defendants, including but not limited to:
- The driver
- The employer
- A company responsible for maintaining the vehicle
- The vehicle manufacturer
Adding an employer as a defendant in your claim can be beneficial, as companies generally have more comprehensive insurance policies than individual drivers. However, building an effective case is not always easy.
Holding a company to account can require a substantial amount of research, legal knowledge, and tenacity. A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm knows how to handle such claims and can help you determine if you can sue more than one liable party.
A Car Manufacturer Could Be Responsible if Faulty Parts Caused Your Crash
In some cases, neither motorist is to blame for an accident—the crash may have occurred due to a vehicle defect. While vehicle-related causes only play a role in about 2% of accidents, according to the NHTSA, a car manufacturer could potentially be held to account for a victim’s damages.
A victim could file a product liability lawsuit against a car or car part manufacturer. Since these claims may require the help of expert witnesses and can be challenging to prove, having the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can be advantageous.
An Attorney Can Help You Name All Liable Parties
Who can be sued in a motorcycle accident case will depend on the circumstances of your particular crash. Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it is not immediately clear who is at fault and legally responsible.
Complicated motorcycle accidents, such as those involving several vehicles, can have several liable parties. The more complicated the circumstances of a motorcycle accident case are, the more challenging it can become for a victim to secure their recovery.
A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can help in several ways. These can include gathering the required evidence to prove fault and liability. They can also:
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Help you decide when a lawsuit may be necessary
- Estimate the value of your case
- Navigate the deadlines to file your lawsuit
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Is Here for You
Not all motorcycle accidents are straightforward or easy to litigate. We can be by your side, supporting you and fighting for your best interests. Contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices for a free, no-obligation case review now at (888) 522-6291.