5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Although motorcycle collisions are not the most common type of motor vehicle accident, the injuries sustained are disproportionately more severe than in any other type of vehicle accident. There are many different causes of motorcycle accidents, and the majority of them involve driver negligence. Negligence may take the form of distracted driving, speeding, failure to abide by right-of-way laws, and others. 

If you have suffered substantial injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today for an assessment of your claim. You may be able to recover fair compensation for the losses you have endured due to their wrongdoings. 

5 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

In 2019, motorcycles made up only 3% of all registered vehicles on the road but had a mortality rate six times higher than for passenger car occupants and almost nine times the fatality of light-truck occupants. Knowing the causes of motorcycle accidents may help you avoid circumstances that may lead to injury and accidents while sharing the road. 

The following are five causes of motorcycle accidents:

1. Left-Turning Vehicle Accident 

One of the most common collisions occurs due to a motor vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle, often occurring in busy intersections. Typical reasons for left-turn accidents include: 

• Distracted driving 
• Low visibility 
• Speeding 

Right-of-way laws regarding left-hand turns are clear; drivers turning left must yield to any oncoming traffic. In this type of accident, drivers are most often at-fault due to negligence. Failure to yield right-of-way accounted for more than 7% of all fatal collisions in 2019. If you have experienced an accident due to a negligent driver making a left turn, speak to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, for an assessment of your claim. 

1. Unexpected Road Hazards 

Unexpected road hazards such as loose gravel, uneven road surfaces, and railway tracks are large contributors to motorcycle accidents due to motorcycles’ instability and small size. It is in your best interest to abide by the speed limit and stay vigilant while riding to avoid accidents and maintain control of the bike. 

1. Blind-Spot Accidents 

Staying out of a vehicle’s blind spot areas is the best way to avoid a blind spot accident. The most effective way to check if you are in a safe location is to see if you can see the driver in the driver’s side mirror. If a car switches lanes while you are stuck in its blind spot, you may be cut off, causing a dangerous situation. Staying in a vehicle’s blind spot also increases the chance of an accident. 

1. Collisions 

Motorcycles are more susceptible to fatal accidents due to their lack of protection from metal framing and airbags in the event of a collision. Angled collisions and head-on collisions accounted for more than 28% of all fatalities in 2019. Collisions are more dangerous when striking a motorcycle due to the monumental weight and speed at which they are hit by a vehicle.  

1. Unsafe Behavior 

Alcohol use, speeding, and not wearing safety gear are contributing factors to fatal motorcycle accidents. Speeding accounted for 17% of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2019, the use of alcohol or drugs accounted for 10%, and helmets are seen to have saved over 1,800 lives in 2017. Additionally, it is estimated that for every 100 motorcyclists killed in collisions while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had they opted to wear a helmet.

Steps to Take if You Experience a Motorcycle Accident 

There are essential steps to take following a motorcycle accident for your safety and to help your motorcycle accident claim later down the road. Your first priority should always be your safety and the safety of others. The following are steps to consider following a motorcycle accident: 

1. Call 911, even if you don’t think you need emergency medical attention 
2. A responding officer will prepare a police report, where you can explain what caused the accident 
3. Gather other types of evidence from the accident scene, including photos, videos, interview witnesses, obtain driver information, and other relevant details 
4. Always get a medical evaluation following an accident in the case of latent injuries 
5. Speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for legal guidance. 

At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we can skillfully negotiate on your behalf, conduct an investigation into your accident, and obtain valuable evidence needed for a successful claim. We fight for the fair compensation you deserve for the losses you sustained due to a negligent driver.

Speak to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

If you have suffered substantial injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence, speak to a professional motorcycle accident lawyer for a complimentary assessment of your claim. You may be able to recover fair compensation for the losses you have endured, such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, property damages, and other expenses related to the accident. We help you every step of the way and fight aggressively for the justice you deserve. 

At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we offer comprehensive and dedicated legal representation with over a century of combined experience. Call us today at (866) 924-1787 for a complimentary consultation, or fill out our contact form. 

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900