Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Martin County
Recent motorcycle accidents in the U.S have caused increased concern for motorcycle riders and car drivers alike. What is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents? Who can help motorcycle accident victims recover damages from negligent drivers?
In this article, we’re going to outline the different causes of motorcycle accidents, discover the biggest culprit, and figure out how our motorcycle accident attorneys in Martin County can offer a helping hand.
The Different Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence when the rider loses control. Factors such as speeding, being under the influence, or not paying attention can impair judgment are leading causes.
Inexperienced riders, in particular, often experience difficulty handling their bike in dangerous situations. Ultimately, this increases the chances of encountering unfamiliar road conditions leading to an increased chance of a crash. Inexperienced riders often don’t know how to react appropriately when faced with new, dangerous surroundings.
Losing Control
Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence when the rider loses control. Factors such as speeding, being under the influence, or not paying attention can impair judgment are leading causes.
Inexperienced riders, in particular, often experience difficulty handling their bike in dangerous situations. Ultimately, this increases the chances of encountering unfamiliar road conditions leading to an increased chance of a crash. Inexperienced riders often don’t know how to react appropriately when faced with new, dangerous surroundings.
Overtaking or Filtering
Filtering is the process of moving safely past a slow-moving or stationary vehicle without colliding. One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents collisions can occur as drivers fail to yield the right-of-way for motorcyclists who are able to maneuver their vehicles in ways that other, larger cars cannot.
There is an inherent danger to overtaking accidents. A rider must be able to accurately judge the speed and distance of traffic in order to avoid car drivers making filtering mistakes. Many young or newly qualified riders are unable to anticipate common car driver errors.
Failure to Negotiate Bends
Traveling at high speeds when approaching a bend can be a disaster waiting to happen, and one of the number one causes of motorcycle accidents. This situation contributes to a large percentage of accidents and happens most when a motorcyclist:
- Doesn’t anticipate the need to take correct motorcycle safety precautions
- Forgets to change lanes in time
- Misjudges the speed of oncoming vehicles
- Speeds up on a bend instead of slowing down
- Misjudges the motorcycle’s turning radius
- Loses control on a bend
- Fails to recognize slippery, icy, or wet road conditions
- Fails to anticipate potholes or fuel spillages
Speed
For motorcycle riders, speed is a double-edged sword. Riders can find themselves in control of their bike one moment, and losing control in another with just an unexpected bump or sudden turn. When accidents happen at high speeds, they are much more likely to be fatal than if the same accident happens at a slower speed.
The Number One Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
Finally, we come to the number one cause of motorcycle accidents – the failure of other motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles while on the road.
Motorcycles are one of the most overlooked vehicles on the road because they’re small and hard to see. Even if a driver is paying full attention, there’s no guarantee they will notice an approaching motorcycle even without glare from the sun in their eyes, or being blocked by another vehicle ahead.
Intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists since drivers already have trouble spotting them before it’s too late. These types of accidents naturally occur most where crossings take place.
Motorcycle riders must also stay alert when driving around buses, large trucks, and cars making turns across lanes. Car drivers often fail to check mirrors leading to a disaster within just a few seconds, even for the most experienced rider.
Involved in an Accident? Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, we at BC Law will fight for you.
Recovery after a serious accident or injury is not something that is easily dealt with. You have to consider financial losses, emotional trauma, and most importantly, your health through medical care. These are just a few consequences that are able to take you down for good if they’re ignored. However, there are ways out and it starts through finding a personal motorcycle injury lawyer.
When another party’s negligence causes you harm, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers at BC Law for help to maximize all damages available under law.