The risk of getting into an accident is greater when riding a motorcycle than when riding a car. Traveling on two wheels makes one vulnerable to instability. The lack of a protective barrier surrounding the rider means a higher degree of bodily impact in case of a collision. As such, deaths and serious injuries are more likely. Sometimes these are the fault of the rider but there are also many cases wherein another party is at fault. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims recover damages to reduce financial hardship, hasten recovery, and serve justice. Below are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Lane Splitting
Traffic jams force motorists to travel slowly and waste their time. Those riding in a motorcycle will often try to squeeze themselves between two lanes in order to take advantage of the narrow space. This can help them get ahead faster but it could also lead to accidents on the road. After all, this puts the motorcycle extremely close to the sides of cars. They won’t have much space to maneuver if they suddenly need to. Car drivers may not be aware that a motorcycle is about to pass them so they may try to change lanes and cause a collision. States have different rules about lane splitting so be sure to check what you can and can’t do to have the law on your side.
Reckless Driving
Driving at high speed makes vehicles harder to control and reduces viable reaction time prior to collision. You need to be extremely focused to see potential problems ahead and slow down in time. It is always best to be mindful of the speed limits wherever you may be. Although you cannot control the speed of the cars around you, you can control your own speed and other behaviors as a motorcycle rider. You should also refrain from drinking and driving which is against the law. Alcohol is known to dull the senses and increase the likelihood of a crash.
Left-hand Turns
Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. A bulk of the accidents between cars and motorcycles happen when cars are trying to make left-hand turns. Car drivers are often too eager to make the turn that they fail to see that a motorcycle is closing in. It might be in their blind spot so they are unaware even if they check the mirrors. While collisions with left-hand turns can also occur between two cars, it is more likely to transpire with motorcycles because of their lower visibility. A motorcycle accident lawyer will make sure that the fault of the other party is clear in this type of case.
Road Hazards
Roads do not always provide ideal driving conditions. In bad weather, you will be faced with slippery surfaces due to rain and snow. In rare cases, there might even be oil spills and other things that make the road difficult to travel on. Even four-wheeled vehicles will be hard to control in such situations. Using two wheels is much more unstable. Pot holes, debris, dead animals, and other hazards also pose threats to the safety of riders. Some problems are man-made and easily attributable which means affected motorists can sue if they get injured.
Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident and need legal help? Take a look at https://personalinjurynewyorkcity.com/information-center/motorcycle-accidents/.
