In 2020, motorcycle accidents reached their highest point since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System became operational. Motorcyclists encounter various dangers on the roads, including those shared with other vehicles and unique to their mode of transport.
Most motorcycle accidents result from someone else’s negligence. While defensive driving can enhance safety, you cannot control the actions of other drivers, and their negligence can drastically alter your life instantly. Hiring the best motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get a claim after your accident!
Here are six common reasons why a motorcycle may end up in an accident.
1) Speed
Most motorcycles offer an exhilarating acceleration experience. However, excessive speed can lead to tragic outcomes.
Preventing motorcycle accidents related to speed is relatively straightforward. Regardless of how clear the road seems or how confident you are in controlling your bike, excessive speed is a threat to you and other road users.
2) Weather & Seasons
Few accidents can be attributed solely to “Acts of God” or nature. Like pilots plan their flights, motorcyclists should carefully plan their rides or commutes, including checking weather conditions. In exceptional cases, a city may bear responsibility for not promptly addressing icy road conditions.
3) Driver’s Mistake
The primary cause of motorcycle accidents stems from motorists failing to notice the presence of motorcyclists. In nearly half of all motor vehicle accidents, motorcycles were either partially obscured by glare or obstructed by other vehicles. Enhancing visibility is crucial for motorcyclists.
To increase visibility, consider these steps:
- Wear brightly colored clothing
- Use signals and headlights effectively
- Remember never to ride in a car’s blind spot
The safest way to navigate the roads is to adopt the mindset of assuming that you are invisible to other drivers and operate your motorcycle accordingly.
An alarming 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections because drivers often fail to spot motorcycles. Due to their smaller size, other motorists frequently misjudge the speed of approaching motorcyclists, leading to them turning into their path and causing accidents.
4) Head-On Mishaps
Head-on collisions occur when a vehicle departs from its lane and swerves directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. These head-on impacts are rare, with just 2% of all vehicle collisions leading to accidents and severe injuries.
5) Alcohol & Drug Use
Unfortunately, drinking alcohol continues to contribute to motorcycle accidents worldwide. Approximately 30% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal motorcycle accidents had blood alcohol levels that were over the legal limit, according to the NHTSA.
Even a single drink can negatively affect parts of the brain, like
- The Cerebral Cortex (judgment and reasoning)
- The Cerebellum (balance and coordination)
- The Hypothalamus (appetite, temperature, pain, and emotions)
- The Amygdala (social behavior)
- The Hippocampus (memory and learning)
Not only does alcohol impair critical abilities like reaction time, but it can also hinder the brain’s capacity to assess riding skill or sobriety level.
6) Immediate Stops
Encountering vehicles that have stopped suddenly on fast-moving highways poses a challenge for all motorists, not just motorcyclists. However, for motorcycle riders, these situations can be challenging.
Since motorcycles lack seat belts, a sudden stop can result in a rider being ejected from their bike, potentially colliding with another vehicle, or entering traffic.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents happen for several reasons. It could be due to negligence or inexperience on the part of the rider, lousy weather conditions, inadequate maintenance, inexperienced vehicle operators, or motorcycles that need to be licensed and registered.
Education, understanding other drivers’ behavior, and using protective gear are all essential to ensuring motorcycle safety. Furthermore, having an experienced attorney is also beneficial in the event of an accident. That is why hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer should be your first thought whenever you get involved in such incidents.
Seeking the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to securing justice after a motorcycle accident. The quicker you reach out to a lawyer, the sooner you can begin obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve.
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