What Is a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Federal Highway Administration, nearly 6,000 motorcycle fatalities occurred in 2020. In that same year, over 80,000 motorcycle injuries were recorded as well. If you ride a motorcycle, know the dangers and what to do if you’re in an accident.

What Is a “No-Contact” Motorcycle Accident?

Not all motorcycle accidents involve a collision or contact with another vehicle. These are known as no-contact motorcycle accidents, and they can leave motorcyclists injured or worse. Despite there being no contact or collision, there still is an at-fault or liable driver in these situations.

Who Is Liable in a “No-Contact” Crash?

To hold another party liable for a no-contact motorcycle accident, you’d need to prove they were acting negligently. So how do you prove it? Negligence is defined as failing to behave as carefully as someone of ordinary caution and reason would use in a similar situation. An example of this would be a driver suddenly swerving in front of your motorcycle without using their turn signal or ensuring it’s safe to merge lanes. But to prove it in court, you’d likely need a police report and any eyewitnesses in the area.

Most Common Causes of No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona

• Tailgating motorcyclists: Drivers who get too close to motorcyclists may accidentally sideswipe or even tap the bike, sending it out of control.
• Distracted driving: Looking at your phone, doing makeup, or not paying attention while driving takes your focus away from the road ahead and motorists around you. This could cause a vehicle to unintentionally swerve into another lane, causing a motorcyclist and others to swerve out of the way. The result may be a no-contact motorcycle accident.
• Driving under the influence: Drunk driving kills and injures thousands of people annually. The US Department of Transportation’s report counted over 11,000 deaths due to alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. Drunk drivers are reckless, posing a hazard for all, especially motorcyclists.
• Ignoring the rules of the road: Some roadway rules may seem annoying, but know that they are in place for a reason. Whether it’s obeying traffic laws, coming to complete stops, or not parking in restricted areas, all roadway laws are designed to protect motorists and pedestrians. When these rules are ignored, someone eventually pays the price.
• Littering: It’s not just harmful to the environment—littering can pose a danger to unsuspecting motorcyclists. They may have to swerve out of the way of oncoming debris, which could lead them to lose control and crash.

What Type of Compensation May Be Available?

If you’re the victim of a no-contact motorcycle accident in Arizona, you should pursue all of the areas below for compensation. Of course, it helps to have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure you’re getting the full compensation you deserve.

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost past and future wages

What To Do & What Not To Do Following a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident

The first thing you should do if you’re in a motorcycle accident is to get yourself and any passengers out of the roadway and into a safe area nearby if possible. Next, you should report the accident and wait for the police to arrive. Gather any information—like the license plate number of the at-fault driver—without putting yourself in danger. You should also seek medical attention if you or another person is seriously injured. Lastly, contact an injury attorney you trust to handle your case and get you full compensation.

Now let’s discuss things you should not do following a no-contact motorcycle accident. Never admit fault or take responsibility. Insurance adjusters will use anything they can to deny or lessen your compensation. Don’t modify or move the bike until your adjuster has seen it. If you’re injured and need medical help, don’t pay the bill.

Hold off on paying medical bills related to your accident until you’ve talked with an experienced injury attorney. Lastly, if the negligent driver flees the scene, do not pursue or confront them. Let the police handle pursuits and confrontations.

Contact Shapiro Law Team – Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers

Were you or a loved one recently involved in a no-contact motorcycle accident in Arizona? Then you’ll need the help of an experienced attorney in the area who can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Shapiro Law Team today to evaluate and fully investigate your claims and help gather the evidence you need to prove negligence. We have a track record of helping victims in Arizona get the closure they need to move on. Call us today for a free consultation.