What are common causes of motorcycle accidents? It seems that every spring, the motorcycle enthusiasts pull their bikes out of storage, and you can see the two-wheelers fly over the roads, no matter where you are. As the number of drivers continues to increase, so do the accidents. In fact, over 5,000 motorcyclists have died during each of the past five years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With a lack of protective surroundings, when the small vehicles collide with larger automobiles or trucks, the results are shown to be more than 25 times more deadly than collisions between two autos. You can protect yourself, though. Our friends at Cohen & Cohen have provided the following six common motorcycle accidents to look out for and avoid.
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, speeding is considered the leading cause. Speed makes it difficult to react to other drivers, and the resulting collision is often more severe as the driver is thrown from the bike.
The accident that results in the most significant injuries is when the motorcycle driver turns left. Even if the biker has the right of way, other drivers may not be paying attention or may misjudge distances. Because the bike is often hit from the side, death or serious injury may result.
When vehicle drivers aren’t paying attention, they can open their car door right before an approaching motorcyclist. The results can be devastating as the cyclist comes to a sudden stop and is thrown onto the road.
Driving under the influence of alcohol causes accidents. Not only does it alter reaction time, but the mental buzz can initiate “superman” type driving that can lead to death.
Potholes and speed bumps are not a motorcyclist’s friend, and when a driver isn’t paying attention to the road’s imperfections, an accident is likely to result. Bikers may also lose control of their vehicle when hitting debris in the road.
When a motorcyclist doesn’t want to wait in traffic, it can lead to weaving behavior or driving between moving vehicles. Both actions can lead to severe injuries, especially if the automobile drivers don’t see the biker and hit them.
If you are ever in a vehicle accident, don’t wait to call a lawyer. That is especially true if you are on a motorcycle because when a biker collides with an automobile, it can lead to life-changing injuries and expensive medical care.
