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Toll roads are built to improve traffic flow, but for motorcyclists, toll booths can present unexpected hazards. As a motorcycle accident lawyer can share, poorly designed or maintained toll areas have been linked to serious crashes. The unique structure of toll plazas which include narrow lanes, uneven pavement, and sudden stops creates risks that may not affect cars and trucks in the same way.
Narrow Lanes And Reduced Maneuvering Space
Motorcycles require more balance and careful maneuvering than other vehicles, especially at lower speeds. Many toll booths force drivers into narrow lanes that leave little room for error. If a motorcyclist needs to adjust their position or avoid debris, there is often no safe space to do so. Even a small miscalculation can lead to a collision with barriers or nearby vehicles.
This risk is compounded by larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs crowding adjacent lanes. The turbulence from passing traffic can destabilize a motorcycle when maneuvering through a tight toll plaza. The same also goes for larger vehicles; since everyone is forced into narrow lanes, any slight disturbance can cause a catastrophic chain incident.
Slippery Pavement And Poor Maintenance
Toll booths often see heavy traffic, and that wear and tear can leave behind oil slicks, uneven pavement, or poorly patched potholes. Motorcycles are far more sensitive to these surface conditions than passenger vehicles. A patch of oil or a small pothole may cause a rider to lose control, especially when slowing down to pay or pass through electronic tolling equipment.
According to our friends at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., surface maintenance records can be critical in these cases. If a toll authority knew of dangerous conditions and failed to address them, they may share liability for resulting accidents. Records showing incident reports or past repetitive issues can be helpful in establishing your claim.
Sudden Stops And Driver Confusion
Not all toll booths are equipped with modern electronic systems. At older plazas, drivers may stop suddenly to pay or change lanes at the last moment, creating chaos for motorcyclists traveling nearby. Rear-end collisions at toll booths are common, and for motorcyclists, even low-speed impacts can cause significant injury.
Confusing signage also plays a role. If drivers are uncertain which lane to use for cash, electronic payment, or high-speed pass-through, last-minute swerving can occur. Motorcyclists caught in these abrupt maneuvers face heightened danger.
Liability In Toll Booth Motorcycle Accidents
Determining liability in these accidents can be complex. A personal injury lawyer may examine whether fault lies with another driver, the toll authority, or even a third-party contractor responsible for maintenance. Questions often arise about whether the roadway design met safety standards for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, a toll authority may be liable for poor design or surface conditions, while another driver may be liable for unsafe maneuvers that directly caused the crash. Gathering detailed evidence is essential for building a strong claim. Reconstruction experts may be called upon to demonstrate just how the accident happened.
Motorcycle accidents at toll booths highlight how infrastructure design and driver behavior intersect. Speak with a local attorney to learn more.