Road Hazards
Road hazards are a common cause for bike/motorcycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that, motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision with a fixed object than are other vehicles. In 2008, 25 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects.
Common road hazards that cause accidents include:
* Potholes
* Small debris
* Wet pavement
* Uneven road surfaces
Many road hazards that may have little to no effect on a car, can cause a motorcycle to crash and result in serious injury. Riders can avoid various road hazards and weather conditions with experience and safe driving, but others can put a rider in dangerous situations. City, State, and Federal governments are required to keep road conditions safe, including warning signs and alternate routes for all motorists.
Motorcycle accidents can be a tragic and life altering events. It is beneficial to have an attorney who has experience with motorcycle accidents and is capable of assisting you in seeking compensation. Tabor Law has a group of qualified attorneys who will aide and assist you when dealing with insurance companies. Let Tabor Law help you protect your future while you heal yourself.
Case Study
Mata v. Indiana Public Transportation Corporation, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, E & B Paving, Inc., Tri-Mack Corporation, City of Indianapolis and Indiana Department of Transportation
On October 21, 2009, Santos Santiago Mata was riding his bicycle southbound towards Indianapolis on a sidewalk on the east side of Meridian Street. After he crossed the intersection of Meridian and 29th Street, a large "Road Construction Ahead" sign obstructed the sidewalk upon which he was riding. The sign took up most of available sidewalk. Santos attempted to ride past the sign but had very little room to ride in. Santo's bike came in contact with something at the base of or on the sign and his bike started to wobble. Santos lost his balance and leaned towards the left. The front of his bike went partially into the street. As Santos continued to travel southbound a bus was traveling southbound in the right curb lane of Meridian Street. The bus stopped at the intersection of Meridian and 29th and then proceeded slowly. As the bus pulled forward, the bike and the front passenger side bumper of the bus collided. Santo's head was crushed under the bus wheel. Santos was killed as a result of this collision. Santos Santiago Mata left behind four minor children. Tabor Law firm represented the Estate of Santos Santiago Mata and filed a Complaint For Damages against Indiana Public Transportation Corporation, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, E & B Paving, Inc., Tri-Mack Corporation, City of Indianapolis and Indiana Department of Transportation. The complaint stated The State of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Transportation had jurisdiction and control over Meridian Street for the purposes of a road reconstruction and resurfacing construction project. E & B Paving was the contractor engaged to carry out the resurfacing project. E & B Paving subcontracted with Tri Mack for the provision, erection, servicing and removal of construction signs including the sign at issue. Defendants, Tri-Mack, E & B Paving and the State/INDOT were all responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance and removal of the sign, and for the safety of the public. The City was also responsible for the condition of the sidewalks. With the assistance of Tabor Law Firm, The Estate of Santos Santiago Mata was able to procure a settlement that allowed Santo's children financial security and helped compensate them for their devastating loss.