What Are Some Typical Circumstances That Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle riding, while offering a sense of freedom and exhilaration, is not without its risks. The open nature of motorcycles exposes riders to a higher level of danger compared to other motor vehicles. While it may be fun, there are dangers on the road that makes this thrill ride dangerous. Understanding the common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents is crucial for riders to ensure their safety and prevent unfortunate incidents. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings often while you’re out on your motorcycle.

Excessive Speed

Motorcycles can go faster than a car, which is both fun and risky. Speeding is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents. The faster a motorcycle moves, the less time the rider must react to unexpected situations or road hazards. High speed also reduces the rider’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, further elevating the risk of a crash. So, make sure you are following the appropriate speed limit, especially when you’re driving on the highway.

Violation of Right-of-Way Rules

Left-hand turns can be challenging for motorcyclists, especially when it comes to yielding the right of way. A slight misjudgment can put the motorcycle directly in the path of oncoming vehicles, resulting in a catastrophic crash. Drivers might make assumptions and make turns without realizing you’re there. Violations of right-of-way rules, especially at intersections or while entering and exiting roads, are also a leading cause of these types of crashes. Slow down when you’re near one of these areas in case there’s a vehicle that isn’t paying attention.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

It’s dangerous to operate any vehicle while under the influence, especially a motorcycle. Alcohol and drugs impair a motorcyclist’s ability to operate their vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents. You can also damage others if you are under the influence. Even if the motorcyclist is sober, they are at high risk of a deadly encounter with a DUI driver. While you might not cause much damage to a car, a car can cause some serious damage to you.

Sudden Lane Changes

Abrupt lane changes, especially without using a turn signal, sudden swerving, and failing to check blind spots can lead to serious motorcycle accidents. This can be dangerous as it doesn’t give other drivers enough time to react. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing concern on the roads today. Typically, this includes any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road, such as talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, or fiddling with the stereo. You might be in their blind spot, giving them the impression that they can move over. This can lead to you getting sideswiped on your motorcycle, causing you to lose balance. This can be a deadly mistake so be vigilant when there are loads of cars on the road.

Road Hazards

Road hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, or animals in the road can pose a significant danger to motorcyclists. If you’re going too fast, you could fling yourself off your motorcycle. Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and wind can also create treacherous conditions for everyone on the road, especially those on motorcycles. It can make the road harder to see as you don’t have windshield wipers to fix your view. Make sure not to speed if the weather starts to look dicey. 

Inappropriate Lane Splitting

Lane splitting refers to a motorcycle riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While this practice is legal in some places, it should be done with extreme caution to prevent accidents. Motorcyclists should only split lanes when it’s legal and safe to do so. As much as it’s fun to drive fast, your safety is important. You need to stay in one lane while you’re driving, especially if there are other vehicles around you.

The Legal Implications of Motorcycle Crashes

From a legal standpoint, understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help determine liability in the event of an accident. The person at fault for the accident is typically responsible for compensating the victim for their losses. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure you’re properly represented and help you recover from your losses.

Conclusion

Understanding the common factors that lead to motorcycle accidents is the first step toward prevention. By being aware of these causes and taking the necessary precautions, motorcyclists can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and ensure a safer ride. Always remember that you can explore legal options if you believe that someone else’s negligence contributed to your crash. Research a legal team in your area that specializes in these types of cases. They will make sure that you get the justice you deserve. 

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.