Motorcycle Accidents: Chain Reactions

The Times News reported in May of 2013 that a chain-reaction accident caused injuries to several Virginia motorcycle riders. The Virginia State Police investigation showed that four riders (ages 40 – 54) were seriously hurt and taken to Fairfax Inova Hospital where they were treated. The accident happened on I-66 in Fairfax County. One operator lost control of his 2005 Honda FLU while riding through a work zone area. A second motorcycle rider was not able to stop and rear-ended the first driver. The third driver then hit the second driver. The fourth driver hit a guardrail when he swerved to avoid the pile-up of the first three bikes. The riders all had helmets. No charges were filed.

Chain-reactions: Chain-reactions can occur with any type of vehicle when the following vehicles are too close. Motorcycle-chain reactions occur more frequently because many riders are often riding in a group, and the group often tries to stay together. While it’s nice socially to ride together and there may even be some riding and safety advantages to staying close, chain-reactions are a logical consequence of being packed together too tightly.

When chain-reaction accidents occur, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. Some of the questions that a skilled lawyer will review are:

• Was the lead rider responsible?
• If the lead rider stopped properly, was the second rider responsible for driving too closely?
• Did the third rider have any responsibility because he or she was driving too closely?
• How does contributory negligence factor into the result?

Talk to a Norfolk Motorcycle Accident Attorney for More Information

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, chain reaction or otherwise, it can often be difficult to determine who is ultimately responsible. Fortunately, Norfolk attorney Joe Miller at Joe Miller Law, has years of experience representing motorcycle accident and can help you determine responsibility and take action. To learn more, call Joe Miller Law, today at (888) 694-1671.