What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
As the weather begins to warm up, you will begin to see more motorcycles on the roads. While car accidents are more common, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to be deadly. Whether or not you ride a motorcycle yourself, it’s important to know some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents, so that you can do your part in preventing them and understanding the dangers of operating them.
Common types of motorcycle accidents involving a car:
- Being hit by a car making a left-hand turn.
These types of collisions make up almost half of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a car.
- Being hit head-on by a car.
Head-on collisions account for the majority of deaths to motorcyclists.
- Being hit while lane splitting.
These types of accidents commonly occur due to the closeness of the vehicles and the motorcycle and the fact that car drivers have limited visibility of motorcycles and are not always anticipating them.
- Being hit by a car whose driver did not see or detect the motorcyclist.
Limited visibility is the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are small and are extremely difficult for car drivers to see.
Common types of motorcycle accidents not involving a car:
- Hazardous road conditions
While weather rarely contributes to motorcycle accidents, common types of hazardous road conditions do. For instance, gravel on the road, potholes, or a dead animal, can be fatal.
- Speeding & reckless driving
As with car accidents, speeding and reckless driving only makes accidents more common and more deadly.
- DUI
One of the easiest preventable ways to reduce the risk for a motorcycle accident or fatality is to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to data, about ½ of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol.
- Hitting a fixed object
While this is far less likely to result in a fatal accident in a car, hitting any type of fixed object while driving a motorcycle is extremely dangerous and accounts for about 25% of deaths.
- Turning corners
Motorcycles have to be extremely cautious when making turns. Even a slight amount of gravel or debris on the road, can result in an accident. Also, driving too fast going into a share turn can result in loss of control and a crash.
If you, or someone you love, have been in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence or fault of another driver, contact an experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney as soon as possible.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
All motorcycle accident cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful in obtaining monetary compensation on your behalf. Contact Hilton & Somer, LLC at (703) 560-0700 to discuss your legal options. Let us fight for you!
References for “What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?”:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/motorcycle-accidents-common-causes-30330.html
https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/little-known-facts-about-motorcycle-accidents-31124
