While motorcycle accidents do not occur quite as frequently as other types of motor vehicle accidents, they often lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. Even though motorcyclists can protect themselves by wearing a helmet, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots, a collision with a car or a truck can still have devastating results.
However, understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you become aware of potential accidents and help bikers avoid them. Additionally, determining the cause of the crash can help motorcyclists hold the at-fault driver liable for their injuries.
The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Head-on collisions – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 56 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involve crashes with other vehicles. In 78 percent of these collisions, the car crashes into the motorcycle from the front.
Left-turning cars – Approximately 42 percent of motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles are caused by drivers making left-hand turns in the front of motorcyclists. The turning car typically strikes the motorcycle when the biker is going through an intersection, passing the vehicle, or attempting to overtake the car. Although this type of accident commonly occurs between two vehicles, motorcycles are smaller in size and appear less visible to the turning car.
Inattentive driving – When a driver fails to check their blind spots or signaling prior to changing lanes, he/she risks crashing into a motorcyclist. Additionally, drivers who do not take the time to see a motorcyclist and fail to yield can result in a collision.
Drunk or drugged driving – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to maintain proper road position, judgment, and awareness of traffic conditions, thus reducing reaction times and likely causing a crash. Furthermore, motorcyclists must also avoid drunk or drugged riding.
Road conditions – From poor weather conditions such as rain or snow to potholes and dead animals on the road, hazardous road conditions can affect motorcycles more than cars and other vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver in Woodbridge, contact Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. today at (732) 709-4400 for a free initial consultation. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients!