People in the American West are known for their sense of rugged individualism and penchant for bucking restrictions. New Mexico’s own proud history of freedom-seeking and pioneering plays into this cultural conceit quite well. One expression of this sentiment for many modern residents is the use of motorcycles for transportation or pleasure-riding. The speed, acceleration and lack of enclosure a motorcycle offers are just the things that many enthusiasts are looking for in a way to express their independence.
Sadly, the same factors that create the attraction for many bikers also create a situation in which, if something goes wrong, the motorcyclist can find him- or herself in great danger of potentially life-threatening or -altering injury. The lack of protection a motorcycle provides, along with its small size and weight relative to other vehicles on the road, can make for an especially perilous situation when other drivers are not acting responsibly.
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident with a car or truck, it may be the case that the other driver was acting in such a way that he or she is the reason for the crash. In many cases, that driver may have liability for injuries suffered by the motorcyclist, and the victim can pursue damages under the legal theory of negligence. In a negligence case, the injured party must be able to prove that he or she suffered an injury, and that such injury was caused, directly and foreseeably, by a breach of some legal duty that the other party owed. Such a duty generally consists of acting the way a reasonable person would in any given situation. Distracted or drunk driving are good examples of breaching this duty of reasonableness, in most situations.
When a New Mexico resident sets out on a bike, likely the last thing he or she has in mind is a motorcycle crash causing devastating injury that can alter his or her life completely and permanently. Unfortunately, this happens to too many motorcycle enthusiasts in the state and around the country. People in this situation may wish to consider how to protect their legal interests in getting compensation for their injuries.
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Post Type: Topical
Anchor Text: motorcycle crash
Keywords: liability
Primary Target URL: http://www.thejaffelawfirm.com/Practice-Areas/Personal-Injury.shtml
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