A motorcycle accident caused by a reckless driver who intentionally brake-checks a rider can be catastrophic. Motorcyclists have limited time to react, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision or being thrown from the bike. Contact our motorcycle crash lawyers in Phoenix today to learn how to pursue a claim against the driver whose reckless actions caused your injuries.
Brake-Checking Puts Motorcyclists at Risk
When a driver intentionally slams on their brakes to intimidate or control another vehicle, motorcyclists face a serious risk of injury or death. Brake-checking can leave you with little time to react, forcing you to take evasive action or crash into the vehicle ahead. These reckless actions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who lack the same protection as drivers in larger vehicles.
Sudden Stops and Limited Reaction Time
A motorcycle requires careful balance and control, and sudden stops can be difficult to manage, especially at high speeds. If a driver in front of you brake-checks your motorcycle, you may not have enough time to slow down or stop safely. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have the same stopping power, which means even a slight delay in reaction time can lead to a serious car accident.
The risk increases in heavy traffic or poor road conditions, where sudden braking can cause a loss of traction or a dangerous slide. Motorcyclists who swerve to avoid a reckless driver may collide with another vehicle or lose control altogether, leading to severe injuries.
Rear-End Collisions and Evasive Maneuvers
When a vehicle brake-checks a motorcycle, a rear-end collision is almost unavoidable. If a motorcyclist cannot stop in time, they may crash into the back of the vehicle ahead, potentially being thrown from their bike. The force of the impact can result in spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or even fatal head trauma.
In some cases, motorcyclists attempt to swerve out of the way to avoid impact, but this can be just as dangerous. Swerving too aggressively can cause a loss of control, leading to a crash into another vehicle, a roadside barrier, or even oncoming traffic. Brake-checking puts motorcyclists in impossible situations where any reaction can lead to severe consequences.
Proving Fault in a Brake-Check Motorcycle Accident
If a reckless driver caused your accident by intentionally slamming on their brakes, they may be held liable for your injuries. Arizona law recognizes brake-checking as reckless driving, meaning the driver who engaged in this behavior may face serious legal consequences. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-693, reckless driving includes aggressive and dangerous actions that endanger others on the road, including sudden braking intended to cause another vehicle to crash.
Additionally, Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-672 holds drivers accountable when their negligence results in injury or death. If the driver who brake-checked your motorcycle caused a crash that left you injured, they may be financially responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Evidence such as dashcam footage, witness testimony, and traffic camera recordings can help prove the at-fault driver’s reckless behavior.
Evidence Used to Prove Liability in Brake-Check Accidents
If you were injured in a brake-check accident, strong evidence can help establish fault and support your claim. Proving that another driver intentionally hit their brakes to cause a crash requires physical evidence, witness statements, and expert analysis. The following types of evidence can help strengthen your case:
- Dashcam footage from your motorcycle or another vehicle
- Traffic camera recordings showing the accident sequence
- Eyewitness statements from other drivers or pedestrians
- Police reports documenting reckless driving behaviors
- Vehicle black box data tracking speed and sudden braking
- Cell phone records proving possible road rage or distraction
- Skidmark analysis indicating aggressive braking patterns
Get Legal Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Brake-check accidents often result in severe injuries and complex liability disputes, making it critical to pursue full compensation. Your motorcycle accident attorney from Sargon Law Group will work to prove fault and demand the financial recovery you deserve. Learn what legal options are available today when you fill out our online contact form or call us to request your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.