Pothole Accidents

Potholes can cause motorcycle accidents because they can damage tires and cause bikers to lose control. They are also known to damage a motorcycle’s shocks and suspension, which can often lead to further problems. Potholes can knock your motorcycle out of alignment and bend tire rims. If you hit a large pothole and notice your motorcycle is not performing the same, you may need to replace the tires or check for other damages. If you experience a pothole accident that was not your fault, it is considered a premises liability case. A pothole accident attorney can review how your accident occurred and determine who can be liable for your injuries. Based on your case, you may be able to hold the property owner liable for your damages. Speak to a pothole accident attorney now for a free consultation. 

Over time, a combination of weather and traffic can deteriorate roads. If groundwater expands and contracts after seeping underneath the pavement, this can cause concrete to sink over time. Water expands when it freezes, causing a large gap to appear underneath the pavement. When these areas melt, they can leave gaping holes. The top layer of the asphalt begins to crack and eventually crumble. Rain can cause asphalt to slowly dissolve over time due to erosion. Hot weather and heavy UV radiation can also distort asphalt because the asphalt can expand under hot conditions and contract in cold weather. Additionally, the pressure and weight of heavy traffic can cause the asphalt to deteriorate. A combination of these conditions causes potholes to appear, particularly in areas where traffic is heaviest.

Depending on the circumstances, you can hold the city, the road owner, or the private property owner liable for your pothole accident. 

City Officials 

Government authorities are required to maintain local areas and roadways. When they fail to maintain roadways sufficiently, they put the lives of city residents in danger. If a city official is aware of a pothole because of local complaints, they should be held liable for the damages the pothole causes. You can work with an attorney to represent you during your settlement claim against the city. 

Premises Owner or Private Property Owner

If your accident occurs at a business complex or other location owned by a company or private owner, they will be liable for your injuries. The premises owner should be held responsible for not properly maintaining their property and endangering motorcyclists. 

A third of traffic fatalities annually can be attributed to poor road conditions, including potholes. Drivers, passengers of public transportation, and motorcyclists are all at risk of becoming injured due to a pothole accident. If you have been injured, you can receive compensation to be reimbursed for your medical bills and other damages. The individual at fault will be held liable for your damages. The damages you can claim include the following:

Medical Bills

Any medical bills you were required to pay due to your pothole accident injuries can be compensated. This includes treatments you received in the past or will receive in the future. Medical care is costly, which is why your attorney will estimate how much you will pay in medical expenses in the future and include this amount in your settlement. 

Property Damage

You will also be compensated for any required motorcycle repairs following your accident. The repair costs will be added to your total economic damages. 

Pain And Suffering

If you struggle with emotional turmoil, such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other negative emotions, you can receive pain and suffering damages. These are usually worth more than the economic damages.

Lost Wages

Wages you missed while you were required to take time away from work will also be added to your total settlement. 

Speak to an attorney from our personal injury law firm in St.Louis to find out how much your motorcycle accident case is worth. We will contact the involved parties on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. Call Hipskind & Mcaninch now for a free consultation.