According to statistics, motorcyclists are killed 27 times more than motorists on the road. After an accident, it is important for the victim to seek both medical and legal help. This helps the victims and their families to get compensation for any injuries and fatalities suffered as a result of the accident. Getting compensated does help numb the pain of the whole experience. However, it is better to try and avoid getting into accidents from the outset by learning about what causes them. Here is a list of the primary cause of motorcycle crashes.
1. Cars Taking A Left Turn
At least 42% of motorcycle accidents occur when car drivers take a left turn into a motorcycle’s path. This usually occurs when the car fails to signal in good time before making the turn. The car will ram into the cyclist who is heading for an intersection, passing the car or trying to overtake the car. This is a primary cause of motorcycle crashes because motorcycles are normally smaller and sometimes difficult to see.
2. Head on Collisions
About 56% percent of motorcycle accident deaths are as a result of head-on collisions. This type of accident is the most fatal when it comes to motorcycle accidents. It occurs when a car crashes into a motorcycle from the front side of the car. It happens when a car driver is driving in the wrong lane or the motorcyclist takes a drastic turn into a lane of an oncoming vehicle.
3. Inability to See A Motorcycle
Most motorcycle accidents take place when a car driver is unable to see a motorcyclist. This accounts for more than half of all car-motorcycle collisions. Motorcycles are smaller than vehicles and thus less visible on the road. In some cases, the motorcycle is covered by another car or is sometimes in a blind spot.
4. Hazards on The Road
Motorcycles are made with only two wheels and this makes them less stable than cars. Therefore, motorcycles are more susceptible to accidents and other road hazards. The most common road hazards include potholes, oil slicks, road debris, and extreme weather conditions that make the road dangerous.
5. Abrupt Lane Changes
Changing lanes abruptly is also a primary cause of motorcycle crashes. Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist is driving between two lanes of slow-moving traffic or stopped traffic. This is dangerous because the motorcyclist will be closer to vehicles when splitting lanes and there is minimum space for the cyclist to maneuver between the cars. Most vehicle drivers do not anticipate that a motorcyclist will change lanes in traffic.
6. Drunk Driving
Almost 43% of accidents between motor vehicles and motorcycles occur because the driver was driving while drunk. It is against the law for one to operate a car or motorcycle after consumption of alcohol. Drunken driving increases the chances of accidents that cause death or serious injuries on persons involved. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving a car or a motorcycle when under the influence.
In case you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, you can contact Futerman Partners attorneys who will more than happy to help with the legal process.
