What is a “No Contact” Motorcycle Accident?
Posted on April 27, 2022 in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant injuries for motorcyclists and their passengers. In many cases, these incidents occur as a result of a collision with another vehicle on the roadway. However, there are times when “no contact” motorcycle accidents occur that can also lead to devastating consequences. Here, we want to define “no contact” motorcycle accidents, look at some scenarios of how these incidents arise, and the types of injuries that can occur in these circumstances.
No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes can be Devastating
Information available from the Oregon Department of Transportation indicates that there were 786 recorded motorcycle crashes across the state during the latest reporting year. This is a decrease from previous years, but we need to caution that the data comes from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was less traffic on the roadway for a bit. Out of these incidents, there were 752 injuries and 71 fatalities reported.
When most people think of motorcycle accidents, they think of incidents involving other vehicles or objects on the roadway. However, there are various circumstances where motorcycle crashes occur without the motorcyclist coming into contact with another driver at all. When you hear the term “no contact motorcycle accident,” you may jump to think that this would have to be the motorcyclist’s fault. However, that is not necessarily the case.
There does not have to be a direct collision with another vehicle in order for another driver to be at fault for causing a motorcycle crash. No contact motorcycle accidents can occur in various ways in the state of Oregon. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of being involved in no contact accidents than other types of vehicles on the roadway due to the nature of operating these vehicles. The size, weight, and shape of the motorcycle mean that the motorcyclist has to maintain a certain speed and balance in order to keep both wheels on the ground and stable.
If the actions of other drivers on the roadway cause a motorcyclist to become unable to stay upright and maintain their forward momentum, then a no contact motorcycle accident can occur. Motorcyclists often have to take evasive maneuvers if they think another driver is going to strike them, and this can lead to an incredibly dangerous collision scenario. There are various ways that these incidents can occur, including if other drivers:
- Fail to check their blind spots and change lanes
- Change lanes in an unsafe manner
- Violate traffic laws
- Operate too fast for conditions
- Fail to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist
- Operate well impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Operate while distracted by a phone or another device
- Run a stop sign or stoplight
In addition to other motorists on the roadway, no contact motorcycle accidents can also occur as a result of the actions of other motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, particularly if these individuals ride or walk out in front of a motorcycle. Additionally, if a roadway in Oregon has not been properly maintained or contains debris or obstacles, a no contact motorcycle crash can occur if a motorcyclist has to take evasive maneuvers to avoid the hazard.
Any motorcyclist involved in an accident caused by the actions of another driver, even an accident that does not involve direct contact with another vehicle, should work with an attorney as soon as possible. Motorcyclists may be able to recover compensation for their losses, including coverage of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage expenses. Speak with our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys today.