What Is a Driver’s “Duty of Reasonable Care”?

Metier Law Firm
Fri, 25 Jul 2014 18:00:38 +0000
Accidents by Location, Automobile Crash, Bike Accidents, Bike Injuries, Colorado Accidents By Location, Motorcycle Accident, Motorcycle News

Every driver on the road has a “duty of reasonable care” to other motorists, meaning that drivers have to drive responsibly to avoid causing harm or injury. A huge part of this responsibility is being aware of others on the road, especially vulnerable parties like motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Cars turning left are more dangerous to motorcyclists than anything else on the road. Every year, this seemingly simple traffic maneuver causes more than 40 percent of collisions between cars and motorcycles.

On July 2, a motorcyclist from Texas was driving with his wife near Winter Park when he collided with a car and suffered severe head injuries. His wife, who was riding behind him at the time, said a driver went to make a U-turn right in front of her husband.

The wife claims that the two were not speeding, and described her husband as an experienced, safe motorcycle rider. In her account, the 57-year-old motorcyclist was trying to pass the car when it turned left, leaving her husband with “nowhere to go” to avoid the collision.

The Austin native was flown to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood for treatment, but he eventually died from his injuries.

The driver of the car was uninjured, and Winter Park investigators are determining if anyone should face charges in the accident.

When drivers fail to notice their surroundings, they risk seriously injuring or even killing a motorcyclist. Even in the absence of alcohol or drug involvement, thousands of motorcyclists die every year due to simple driver carelessness.

I Was Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident! What Are My Legal Options?

In a personal injury lawsuit, the burden of proof is much lower to prove liability. If the plaintiff can prove that the other party violated their “duty of reasonable care” and acted carelessly, the offending party is responsible for the outcome.

If another party’s carelessness caused your motorcycle accident, call Metier Law Firm. We know motorcycles, and we can help you get justice for your injuries.

[Did You Know: In 98 percent of all fatalities from car-on-motorcycle crashes, the motorcyclist is the person to die.]

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_26102161/wife-winter-park-crash-victim-car-made-u