Motorcycles can be an exciting and fun way to travel but can also be dangerous. Riders face unique risks and challenges that drivers of cars and trucks do not.
The injuries can be severe, life-changing, or even fatal when motorcycle accidents happen.
Knowing the common causes of motorcycle accidents and the steps to take if you or someone you know has been injured is crucial.
This article will explore five common motorcycle accident causes and how motorcycle injury lawyers can help.
1. Failure to Spot Motorcycles
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when drivers fail to notice motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars and trucks, so drivers often overlook them. Unfortunately, this can lead to collisions that can cause serious injuries or death. It’s important to speak with a lawyer who can help you in such cases by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and holding the driver responsible for their actions.
2. Cars Turning in Front of the Motorcycle
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when cars turn left in front of the motorcycle. This type of accident is often referred to as a left-turn accident. It is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists because they have little protection during a collision.
Left-turn accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the driver of the car may not see the motorcycle because of its smaller size or may misjudge its speed. Other times, the driver may be distracted by a phone call or conversation with a passenger or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Left-turn accidents can occur at intersections, parking lots, and other areas where vehicles turn or cross paths. When a car turns in front of a motorcycle, the motorcyclist may have only a split second to react, and there may be little they can do to avoid the collision. The result can be devastating, with the motorcyclist suffering serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
3. Dangerous Road Conditions:
Poor road conditions are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Roads that are poorly maintained have potholes or are slick due to rain, snow, or ice can make it difficult for motorcyclists to maintain control of their bikes. In addition, gravel, loose pavement, and debris on the road can cause a motorcyclist to lose traction and slide out of control.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by poor road conditions, it’s important to speak with a lawyer, as a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation from the responsible party. Sometimes, the government or a private entity may be liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions. For example, if a pothole on the road caused a motorcyclist to lose control and crash, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held responsible for the resulting damages.
4. Head-On Crashes:
Head-on crashes are one of the most dangerous types of motorcycle accidents. They often occur when a car or truck crosses into the motorcycle’s traffic lane. These types of accidents can cause severe injuries or death. Motorcycle injury lawyers can help in such cases by investigating the accident, determining who was at fault, and seeking compensation for the rider’s injuries.
5. Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting is riding a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While it is legal in some states, it is illegal in others. Lane splitting can be dangerous because it puts the motorcycle rider near other vehicles if an accident occurs, while lane splitting, the rider may be at fault. However, motorcycle injury lawyers can help in such cases by examining the circumstances of the accident and determining if the rider or another driver was at fault. They can then work to get compensation for the rider’s injuries.
Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, dangerous road conditions, etc. Speaking with a motorcycle injury lawyer is essential if you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and seek compensation for your injuries. Working with an experienced lawyer can improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve and moving forward with your life.