Overtaking or Passing Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

A Driver’s Mistake Left You on the Ground—What Is an Overtaking Motorcycle Accident?

You’re riding along, minding your own business. Then — a car swings into your lane, clips your bike, or forces you off the road. All because the driver wasn’t paying attention when they tried to pass you. You didn’t do anything wrong, but now you’re left with a wrecked bike, painful injuries, and bills that keep stacking up. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you fight back and make sure the driver who hits you is held responsible.

These accidents happen way too often. Drivers underestimate how fast motorcycles move. They don’t check their blind spots. Some just don’t care. 

And you know what? That’s not fair. You shouldn’t be the one dealing with the aftermath while they drive away with nothing more than a scratch on their bumper. That’s where we come in. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t back down. We don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our motorcycle accident liability lawyer will hold them accountable.

Why Do So Many Drivers Get It Wrong? The Ugly Truth About Passing Accidents

Passing a motorcycle shouldn’t be rocket science. Check your mirrors. Give space. Move over safely. But plenty of drivers act like they’ve never heard of these basic rules. Here’s why they put you in danger:

• They don’t check their blind spots. A motorcycle is harder to see than a car, but that’s not your fault. If a driver doesn’t turn their head before switching lanes, that’s on them.
• They think you’re slower than you actually are. Many drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed, assuming they have more time to pass. They’re wrong. And you end up paying the price.
• They pass too close. Some drivers barely leave any room when overtaking a motorcycle. That’s how riders get clipped, shoved off the road, or sideswiped.
• They’re distracted. Texting. Eating. Messing with the GPS. A driver who isn’t focused on the road is a danger to everyone—especially you.
• They pull reckless moves. Passing on curves, two-lane roads, or in no-passing zones? Yeah, that’s illegal. But some drivers do it anyway, putting motorcyclists in deadly situations.
• They don’t signal. You can’t predict what a driver’s going to do if they don’t bother using their turn signal. Sudden lane changes are a recipe for disaster.

The worst part? None of these are "accidents." They’re bad choices made by careless drivers.

Motorcycle Laws Are Supposed to Protect You—So Why Don’t They?

The law says drivers should respect motorcycles. But let’s be real—do they? Not always. Here’s what the rules say about passing:

• No squeezing in. Motorcycles get their own lane—period. Cars can’t share it unless lane splitting is legal in certain states, like California.
• Three feet (at least!). Many states require drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a motorcycle. Some states demand even more, such as Colorado’s Three-Foot Passing Law.
• No passing in blind spots. The law expects drivers to check their surroundings before moving over. But a lot of them don’t.
• Passing on a solid yellow? That’s illegal. And it’s dangerous. Yet, some drivers risk head-on collisions just because they’re impatient. Learn more about no-passing zones from the Federal Highway Administration.

If a driver broke the law when they hit you, they need to pay for what they did. End of story.

What Injuries Are Common in Overtaking or Passing Crashes?

A motorcycle crash isn’t like a minor fender bender between two cars. When a car clips or sideswipes a motorcycle, the rider often suffers severe, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a hard impact can cause brain damage, affecting memory, speech, and motor functions.
• Spinal cord injuries: A direct hit or being thrown from your bike can lead to partial or full paralysis.
• Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs—when you hit the pavement, fractures are almost guaranteed.
• Road rash: Sliding across the asphalt can tear through clothing and skin, leading to serious infections and permanent scarring.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding aren’t always obvious right away but can be fatal if untreated.

The medical costs for these injuries can skyrocket. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a motorcycle accident attorney who can fight for the compensation you need.

The Moments After the Crash—What You Do Next Could Change Everything

Right after the accident, you’re in shock. You might be hurt, disoriented, or too angry to think straight. But what you do in the next few minutes can make or break your case.

1. Move to safety. If you can, get off the road to avoid another hit.
2. Call 911. A police report is your strongest piece of evidence. Don’t let the driver talk you out of it.
3. Get checked out. Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal bleeding don’t always show up right away.
4. Take pictures of everything. The crash scene. Your bike. The car that hit you. Your injuries. Document it all.
5. Talk to witnesses. If someone saw what happened, get their contact info. Their statement could back up your case.
6. Don’t admit fault. Even saying “I’m fine” could be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
7. Call an attorney. The sooner you have injured motorcyclist legal representation, the less power the insurance company has over you.

Not Every Law Firm Can Handle a Motorcycle Case—Here’s Why We Can.

Here at Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just take cases—we take fights. We know the bias against motorcyclists. We know how insurance companies try to screw you over. And we don’t let it happen. If you need a personal injury attorney who will fight for every dollar you deserve, you’re in the right hands. When you work with us, you get:

• Aggressive representation. We build cases that make insurance adjusters sweat.
• Personalized attention. You’re not just another case file—you’re a rider who deserves justice.
• No upfront costs. You don’t pay unless we win.

If you’re ready to fight back, hire one of the best law firms in America and get the justice you deserve. Call Horn Wright, LLP, today and take the first step toward winning your case.