The last thing a motorcycle rider wants to think bout before getting on their bike is accidents.
But all it takes for a motorcyclist to experience life-threatening motorcycle accident injuries is for a driver to make a reckless decision.
Although the topic may be unpleasant, it’s essential to know the common types of motorcycle accidents to avoid ending up in dangerous situations.
In the article below, we will discuss the common kinds of motorcycle accidents.
Accidents Involving Alcohol
Unfortunately, alcohol use is a major cause of motorcycle collisions in the country.
Operating any motor vehicle while being intoxicated is asking for trouble, especially if you’re on a motorcycle.
According to NHTSA, about 30% of bikers involved in fatal motorcycle accidents have blood-alcohol concentrations over the legal limit.
Almost 45% of bikers involved in fatal accidents have some alcohol in their system.
Nothing good will happen if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Just don’t do it.
Accidents Involving Excess Speeds
People choose motorcycles for cheaper gas, shorter travel times, high-speed performance, flexibility, and lower cost.
But the fatality rate among motorcycle riders remains significantly higher than that of vehicle drivers.
That’s primarily due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to drivers of passenger vehicles.
That makes speeding on a motorcycle even more dangerous.
When you speed, you limit your reaction time to the things around you.
33% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents were caused by speeding according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2016.
Obey the speed limits whenever you’re on your motorcycle.
Accidents Involving Cars Making Left-Hand Turns
Motorcyclists are commonly injured in accidents when a car is making a left-hand turn.
And the motorcyclist often suffers fatal injuries.
In 2019, NHTSA reported that nearly 50% of all fatal crashes involving a car and a motorcycle had a car turning left at the time of the crash.
Left-turning cars typically strike oncoming or passing bikes in intersections.
Common reasons left-turn accidents occur include:
- Distracted driving
- Low visibility
- Speeding
Drivers who are turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.
That means the driver of a car who hits a motorcycle while turning left will almost certainly be at fault.
However, motorcyclists might share fault in left-turn accidents if they speed, run a red light, or ride in the wrong lane.
Accidents Involving Lane Switching
In lane-switching accidents, a car starts to merge into your lane while they’re right next to you.
These common motorcycle accidents occur because motorcycles are easily obstructed in the blind spots of a driver’s car.
When you’re on your bike, you should be able to see the car’s mirrors and the face of the driver.
If you can see them, they are more likely to see you.
If you catch yourself in a blind spot, speed up or slow down to get out of it.
You might not always know you’re in someone’s blind spot, so look for signs that a car is changing lanes:
- Their turn signals come on
- Their start to turn
- The driver checks their mirrors
- The driver turns their head to check their blind spots
Accidents Involving Cornering
The worse feeling is driving down the road, coming up to a tight turn, and realizing you’re just not going to make it.
Never drive at excessive speeds, and even if a road is disappearing over a blind crest, always use visual cues like telephone poles and signs to determine its direction.
The best course of action when approaching a corner too quickly is to trust your bike and attempt to ride it out.
Hang off the bike to get the most lean out of it, look in the direction you want to travel, and use the controls as smoothly as you can.
Avoid slamming on the brakes, cutting the throttle, or taking any other actions that could lead to a loss of traction.
If a peg, knee, or other object touches down, do not become alarmed.
Keep the angle as much as you can, look for the corner exit, and ride it out.
Accidents Involving Inexperienced Riders
All motorcycle riders should spend significant time training before getting on the road.
However, data shows that 29% of all motor fatalities involve riders without a license.
New riders should consider spending their first few months on less challenging roads to sharpen their skills.
Continuing education classes and even coaching is available at most motorcycle schools and organization.
Not knowing how to handle certain road or weather conditions could lead to severe injuries for motorcycle drivers.
Inattention is another motorcycle crash cause that especially affects new riders.
We shouldn’t have to say this, but put away that smartphone, keep your eyes on the road, and even consider turning that Bluetooth music off as you’re getting used to riding on two wheels.
Contact A Motorcycle Accident Attorney After An Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, call our motorcycle accident lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to motorcycle accident victims.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we guarantee that you will receive excellent legal advice, services, and assistance.
We will hold the negligent driver accountable and ensure you receive compensation for medical bills and property damage.
Working with professional lawyers familiar with personal injury law and motorcycle accident cases will allow you to receive maximum compensation.
Our legal experts will put out their best effort in your case to guarantee that you are fairly compensated. Click the button below for a free consultation!
