Did you know that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants?
While motorcycle accidents don’t necessarily happen more often than car accidents, they are much more dangerous to the people involved.
By becoming familiar with the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, you may be able to exert more caution in riskier situations.
Read this article to learn about the most frequent motorcycle accident causes.
Cars Making Left-Hand Turns
Cars making left-hand turns is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
The turning car typically hits the motorcyclist when they are trying to overtake the car or going straight through an intersection.
Motorcycles are less visible than cars, making these accidents more likely for motorcyclists.
Head-On Collisions
Collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles are another common cause of motorcycle crashes.
Most of the time, the car hits the motorcycle head-on. These types of accidents are extremely dangerous to motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist changes lanes between two lines of slowly moving cars. Due to the reduced distance between the motorcycle and the cars, there is limited space to manoeuver.
Lane splitting might also take drivers by surprise as they might not expect a vehicle to pass them in slow traffic.
Who’s at fault in a lane splitting accident can vary depending on state law.
Alcohol
Alcohol use is a major cause of accidents overall and motorcycle accidents are no different.
Alcohol slows down reflexes and caused impaired judgment which increases the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another common factor in traffic accidents. It is defined as the failure to be reasonably cautious and respect the safety of other drivers.
It may involve excessive speeding and general careless behavior on the road.
Collisions With Fixed Objects
Collisions with fixed objects result from vehicles leaving the roadway and hitting a fixed object on the side of the road. Most commonly, motorcycles hit trees, traffic barriers, and utility poles.
Collisions with fixed objects occur more frequently at night due to the reduced visibility.
Road Hazards
Motorcyclists are overall more vulnerable than cars to various road hazards. These may include dead animals, potholes, slippery road conditions, and any irregularity in the road.
Motorcycles are smaller and less stable than cars. Additionally, motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a metallic structure around them.
Get a Lawyer
If you’ve been in an accident and sustained injuries, it’s important to get professional help. You could be entitled to compensation.
Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure you get the expertise you need. These lawyers specialize in motorcycle accidents and will help you build your case.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous and can result in grave injuries. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are linked to the higher vulnerability of motorcyclists.
Car making left-hand turns and collisions are particularly common. Lane splitting and reckless driving can also cause accidents.
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