Articles, Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accident Causes: How to Ride Safer
Motorcycling is fun but dangerous. Knowing the causes of motorcycle accident and how to prevent them is key to a safer ride. This post will give you a rundown of the top causes of motorcycle accidents and safer riding tips.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, Sharif Gray at Broughton Injury Law can help. We have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call Sharif at (804) 915-1611 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Quick Facts
- Rider behavior, environmental conditions and vehicle related issues (dangerous stunts, bad weather or road surfaces, no safety features like ABS) are the main causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Common motorcycle accident scenarios are left turn collisions, unsafe lane changes and head on collisions, which can result to severe injuries; riders can prevent these by being attentive and defensive and wearing proper safety gear.
- After a motorcycle accident, immediate legal steps to take are to notify the insurance company and seek medical attention to document injuries and consult a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Factors: The Culprits
Every year, thousands of motorcycle accidents happen and affect lives and families. While unfortunate, many of these accidents can be prevented if we know the main culprits. By analyzing reported motorcycle crashes we can identify the factors that often revolve around rider behavior, environmental conditions and vehicle related issues. The reported motorcycle crashes give us valuable data to better understand these factors.
Rider behavior, common culprits are reckless actions like speeding and stunts. Alcohol consumption is another factor in motorcycle accident causes. Bad weather and rough road conditions are environmental factors that increases risk. Vehicle related issues due to poor maintenance or malfunction also causes accidents.
Rider Behavior
Rider behavior is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. Actions like speeding, doing road tricks like wheelies and standing on the seat while in motion are big contributors to motorcycle crashes.
And alcohol consumption has a big impact on motorcycle accidents. Riders involved in fatal accidents have the highest rate of intoxication among all motorists.
Inexperience due to lack of skills to handle road situations also contributes to motorcycle accidents.
Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions affects the probability of motorcycle accidents. Bad weather for example can result to slippery roads and poor visibility thus increasing accident risk. Sudden weather changes like unexpected rain can worsen road conditions.
The road condition is another factor. Uneven surfaces, potholes and broken asphalt is a risk for motorcycle accidents which can cause serious injuries. So motorcyclists should be aware of their surroundings and adjust as needed to stay safe.
Vehicle Related Issues
Vehicle related issues though less frequent can cause motorcycle accidents. An irresponsible mechanic who doesn’t service a motor vehicle (like a motorcycle) properly or a municipality that ignores a road hazard can be held liable for the subsequent accidents.
Motorcycle defects or no antilock brakes is a vehicle related factor that can cause accidents. An antilock braking system (ABS) can reduce fatal crashes by 37% and its absence increases the risk of injury and death.
Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
Each motorcycle accident is unique but there are common scenarios that are more frequent than others. These are:
- Left turn collisions: a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Unsafe lane changes: a vehicle changes lane without noticing a motorcycle.
- Head on collisions: a vehicle crosses into an oncoming lane and crashes.
Each of these can cause severe injuries such as:
- head injuries
- road rash
- nerve damage
- foot injuries
- broken bones
Knowing these scenarios can help riders anticipate and react to these situations and prevent accidents.
Left Turn Collisions
Left turn collisions is a big risk to motorcyclists. These accidents happen when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The factors that contribute to these are:
- The motorcycle is hard to see due to its small size
- Obstructed view for the turning driver
- Speeding
- Traffic signal or sign influence
These all combined increases the likelihood of left turn collisions to motorcycles.
Such incidents like a car accident can cause severe injuries like ligament, tendon, muscle or broken bones usually in the lower extremities. To avoid left turn collisions and lane splitting risks riders should be aware and expect that a car will turn left in front of them.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes is another common scenario that causes motorcycle accidents. This happens when a vehicle changes lane without seeing a motorcycle and often results to severe injuries and deaths. The smaller visual profile of a motorcycle makes it harder to see on the road thus increasing the likelihood of such incidents.
To minimize the risk of accidents from unsafe lane changes motorcyclists should practice defensive riding. Be aware of their surroundings and check mirrors and blind spots before making any lane changes.
Head On Collisions
Head on collisions between motorcycle and other vehicles can cause severe injuries and deaths. These accidents happen when a vehicle crosses into an oncoming lane and the motorcycle’s front end collides with another vehicle’s front end.
Notably, lack of structural protection for motorcycles, sudden stop, reckless driving, speeding and alcohol use are the common factors that lead to head on collisions and car accidents. To prevent such accidents bikers can stay in their lane and be aware of their surroundings to react to potential dangers.
Motorcycle Safety Gear: Reduce Injuries and Fatalities
Wearing proper safety gear can reduce injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents. For example helmets have been proven scientifically to reduce brain injury and prevent deaths in motorcycle accidents.
Besides helmets, wearing proper gear like jackets and gloves can also provide additional protection to the head, body and hands. Knowing the importance of safety gear and wearing it consistently can contribute to a rider’s safety on the road.
Defensive Riding Techniques: Safe on the Road
Defensive riding techniques can increase a motorcyclist’s safety on the road. These are:
- Maintain safe distance from other vehicles to have enough reaction time in case of unexpected situations.
- Anticipate hazards and avoid potential dangers on the road.
- Be visible to other drivers to reduce accidents caused by other drivers not seeing the motorcyclist.
Follow these and you’ll be safer.
Safe Distance
Maintaining safe distance from other vehicles can prevent accidents caused by sudden stops or swerving. It gives enough reaction time in unexpected situations. So motorcyclists are advised to have at least 3 seconds gap between their motorcycle and other vehicles.
In heavy traffic conditions motorcyclists should:
- Have safe distance from the vehicle in front especially at intersections
- Check blind spots regularly
- Avoid distractions
- Be cautious when overtaking other vehicles
Follow these and you’ll have safe distance.
Anticipating Hazards
Anticipating hazards can help motorcyclists avoid accidents by giving them time to react to potential hazards such as:
- Road debris
- Sudden changes in traffic
- Uneven road surfaces
- Dangerous road conditions
These are common road hazards for both motorcyclists and car drivers.
Motorcyclists can anticipate traffic changes by observing the head movements of drivers, using turn signals and preparing for sudden speed changes. To anticipate potholes and road debris motorcyclists can use turn signals to anticipate traffic changes, adjust their position in the lane to avoid potential hazards and increase their following distance to identify and avoid hidden hazards.
Be Visible
Being visible to other drivers can reduce accidents. Motorcyclists can be visible by using headlights and wearing reflective gear to reduce accidents caused by poor visibility.
Neon or bright colors are recommended for motorcyclists to wear to be visible as these colors are highly reflective and can catch other drivers’ attention. Besides wearing reflective gear, riders can be visible by:
- Riding a colored motorcycle
- Using reflective tape
- Stay out of blind spots
- Tap their brakes
- Use their horn
- Add auxiliary lights
- Avoid riding in bad weather.
Legal Stuff: What to do after a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, follow these legal steps to protect your rights and get potential compensation. First is to notify your insurance company with the incident details. Even if it’s a minor accident, you should report it to the police.
You should get medical attention after a motorcycle accident to identify internal injuries and to have documentation for insurance claims. Gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, witness statements, police reports and medical records to support your claim.
Lastly, seek a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident to know your rights and options for compensation.
Conclusion
In summary, knowing the factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them is important for all riders. By knowing the impact of rider behavior, environmental conditions and vehicle related issues to motorcycle accidents, riders can take necessary steps to prevent accidents and be safer.
Defensive riding, wearing safety gear and knowing the common accident scenarios can reduce motorcycle accidents. After an accident follow the legal steps to protect your rights and get potential compensation. Remember safety first when riding a motorcycle.
FAQs
What’s the most common type of motorcycle crash?
Most common type of motorcycle crash is a left turn crash. A motorcycle is struck by a vehicle turning left at an intersection, corner or stop sign.
What happens to the body in a motorcycle accident?
In a motorcycle accident the physical force can cause internal organ damage and bleeding which can be painless and symptomless and can lead to undiagnosed and deadly consequences.
How much for a motorcycle accident?
The compensation for a motorcycle accident varies from case to case but can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Consult a lawyer for a more accurate estimate.
What to do if you get into a motorcycle accident?
If you get into a motorcycle accident, get medical attention for your injuries, stay at the scene, call the local police if you can, take photos of your injuries and the accident scene and exchange contact info with the other involved drivers.
What are the factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents?
Rider behavior, environmental conditions and vehicle related issues. Riders should know these and take precautions.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
Sharif Gray works as a trial lawyer at Broughton Injury Law. Sharif has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
Sharif loves what he does, and he is proud of the positive impact he has had and will continue to have on the people he represents and the community he lives in.
If Sharif can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call him at (804) 915-1611 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
