Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, often resulting from a combination of factors. Understanding these accidents’ common causes is essential for motorcyclists and other road users. By recognizing these causes, you can take steps to prevent accidents and ensure your safety on the road.
Drivers do not always know how to share the road with motorcyclists. Even if they know the laws, they may only focus on their immediate needs and not the well-being of others. Motorcyclists depend on drivers for safety because they can get severely injured in a crash. However, drivers are often to blame for accidents because of their negligence.
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you may qualify for financial
compensation if the driver was at fault for what happened. First, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and how you will qualify for financial compensation. There is a lengthy legal process ahead of you, and you need all the help you can get when dealing with the insurance company.
In the meantime, here are some leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
Speeding
Speed is a factor in many motor vehicle crashes. When a driver speeds, they cannot adequately respond to any challenges on the roadway. They are less likely to act in time to avoid an accident, even when they can recognize a danger. Excessive speed plays a part in more than a third of motorcycle crashes. The faster a driver goes, the harder they will hit the bike, increasing the chances of a fatal accident.
Distracted Driving
Drivers need to clearly see motorcyclists to avoid a crash and prevent cutting them off in traffic. However, distractions such as mobile devices can cause many problems because motorists are either sending a text or checking social media. One study found that 41 percent of motorcycle accidents occur because the driver is unaware of the motorcyclist. All it takes is for the motorist to have their eyes off the road for a few seconds to miss seeing the biker.
Illegal Left Turns
The motorcyclist may be in the far left lane (as permitted by law), and the driver may not see them, cutting across the motorcyclist to make a left turn. When that happens, the driver has created a hazardous condition for the biker, and the motorcyclist can crash head-on into the turning vehicle. These crashes are among the most dangerous, often resulting in fatalities.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
The driver must look into their blind spots before changing lanes or turning. It is difficult for motorists to see motorcyclists in general because they are at different eye levels, and it is even more challenging for them to see the motorcyclist when changing lanes. When the driver cuts into the motorcyclist’s lane, they can force them off their bike and onto the ground, causing severe injuries. Being unable to see because of a blind spot is not an excuse that will allow a driver to avoid liability for an accident.
Reckless Driving
Drivers can be reckless in several ways. They may travel far over the speed limit or repeatedly weave in and out of lanes. Finally, drivers can try to overtake a motorcyclist on a curve. Reckless driving is increasing in society, as drivers have less respect for traffic laws in general. This practice places everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists, at extreme risk, and reckless driving crashes tend to be even more severe.
Following Too Closely
Drivers must leave a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles. When drivers follow too closely behind, they do not leave enough room to stop to avoid a rear-end accident. Drivers may tailgate excessively or ride very close to the back of the motorcycle because they are either impatient or aggressive. If the motorcyclist must stop short for any reason, or if the driver cannot apply the brakes in time, they will run right into the back of the motorcycle. Rear-end crashes can be very serious for motorcyclists because they do not have much to protect them from impact, and the force may throw them off their bike.
Not Knowing the Law
Drivers often do not know motorcycle safety laws and may not know they must share the road with a motorcyclist. Drivers may believe they have more of a right to a lane in traffic than bikers, but that is not the case. Motorcyclists are allowed their own lane in traffic, just like any other vehicle. However, if a driver does not know this, they may get overaggressive or have no regard for a motorcyclist’s safety.
It is up to you to prove the cause of the motorcycle accident so that you can receive financial compensation. You must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the driver was negligent in the events that led to your crash. Your word only counts for so much, and additional evidence must support your side of the story.
Your motorcycle accident attorney will need to investigate the accident and help determine the cause. They will compile the necessary evidence to show what the driver did and compare it to what a reasonable driver would have done under the circumstances. A reasonable driver does not make illegal turns or fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes appropriately. If you can show negligence, you can proceed to the stage of your case where you will begin discussing actual compensation.
You cannot investigate your own motorcycle accident. Even if you believe you have compelling evidence, the insurance company may overmatch you when discussing compensation. Thus, you need the help of an experienced attorney at all phases of your motorcycle accident case.
You Do Not Need to Pay Anything Upfront for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle accident, you may wonder how to afford legal representation. The good news is that you do not have to worry about paying upfront for a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Most reputable motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This arrangement allows you to access experienced legal representation without spending any money out of pocket.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential for protecting your rights, meeting deadlines, and allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact a reputable McLean personal injury law firm that can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.