When More Than One Person is at Fault

If there was more than one person responsible for a traffic accident in which you were injured, the law in most states provides that any one of the careless parties can be held responsible for compensating you fully for your injuries. The responsible parties must then resolve among themselves whether one should pay a greater share of the damages, due to his or her greater share of fault in causing the accident.

This rule allowing an injured party to collect from any responsible person provides some important advantages. If one liable person is insured and another is not, the injured party can make a claim against the insured person for the full amount of his or her damages. And, even if multiple responsible parties are insured, the injured party can settle his or her claim with only one insurance company. Thus, initially, it is wise to notify everyone who might be responsible for an accident that you may file a claim for damages. Then, depending on what is discovered about how the accident happened, you can pursue a claim against only one party.

Finding an Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while riding a motorcycle, the most important step in your legal recovery is to meet with a skilled attorney to discuss your situation. Issues in your potential claim, including compliance with traffic laws, motor vehicle regulations, medical treatment issues, and liability determinations, all require the expertise of an attorney who is experienced in the area of motorcycle accident liability. In light of legal deadlines for filing injury claims, meeting with an attorney to evaluate your case as soon as possible is highly recommended.