Motorcycle crashes are on the rise, and the highest number of crashes happened in 2020, with a total of 5,579 motorcyclists who died. Because motorcyclists do not have a carriage protecting them, they are at higher risk of dying when they collide with motor vehicles. Motorcycle crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic head injury, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. A majority of motorcycle crashes are due to human error and are not always the motorcyclist’s fault. The most common ways that motorcycle collisions happen are for the following reasons.
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Blind Spots
Car and truck drivers have blind spots around their vehicles that make it difficult to spot others sharing the road. When changing lanes, making turns, and executing other maneuvers in traffic, it is not uncommon for a driver to hit someone that was in their blind spot. Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, it can be even harder to notice when one is nearby. Drivers sometimes switch lanes and run right into a motorcyclist because they didn’t check their blind spot first.
Left Hand Turns
Another issue that commonly happens is when a driver makes a left turn at a green light but is unable to see a motorcyclist passing through the intersection. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, and because a driver is typically expecting other cars to pass through the green light, they may not notice a motorcyclist. The driver can turn left and collide with a motorcyclist without noticing them until it’s too late.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents and sometimes can be illegal. Texting, instant messaging, checking social media, sending emails, and other phone distractions are common activities that cause a bad motorcycle accident. A driver may also be distracted by fiddling with the dashboard, making phone calls, or talking to passengers. Other forms of distracted driving may be eating while driving, interacting with small children in the back seat, putting on makeup, grooming, and other behavior that prevents a driver from paying full attention to the road. When drivers take their eyes off the road for more than a few seconds, this puts them at a higher risk of crashing into a motorcyclist.
Failure To Yield
When a driver fails to yield to a motorcyclist that has the right of way, this can cause them to collide, resulting in an accident. Drivers are sometimes impatient, rushing, or simply reckless and don’t pay attention to yield signs or allow other drivers the right of way. They may also ignore stop signs, which can lead to them colliding with a motorcyclist at a traffic intersection.
Speeding
Speeding is not uncommon because many drivers tend to speed to get to their destination quickly. Speeding drivers don’t have the time to react or slow down before hitting a motorcyclist going slower than them. Speeding makes it difficult for a driver to see obstacles in time and can also worsen the impact of a crash because the speeding car is moving at a higher velocity. About 29% of all traffic fatalities are caused by speeding.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been In A Motorcycle Accident?
Once you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately reach out to authorities by calling 911. You should also get the contact information of the driver so that your attorney can reach out to them and their insurance company. If you’re looking for an experienced accident lawyer, you can find more here. Take pictures of the motorcycle accident and your wounds if possible. You will need to talk to your insurance company and let them know what happened as well. After you’ve been treated for your injuries by a medical professional, you should speak to an attorney who can provide further direction.
Motorcycle accident attorneys understand what you are experiencing and can help you receive fair compensation for all of your wounds. If you are confused about how your accident happened or are unsure if you are at fault, your lawyer can investigate your claim and bring clarity to your situation. They gather evidence from your photos, traffic camera footage, the police report, and a variety of other avenues. After a thorough investigation, your lawyer can let you know how much you are owed in damages.
Speak To An Attorney To Learn More
Suppose you are ready to initiate a motorcycle accident claim. In that case, you can begin discussing your experience with a reliable law firm that can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. In a free consultation, they can inform you about the process, but you can also click here to learn more.