Motorcycles aren’t like other vehicles on the road; this is obvious just by looking at them. But in addition to their smaller size and lack of a surrounding frame around the rider, motorcycles also accelerate more easily than other vehicles. And, it’s also easier to lose control of them. When all of these factors are taken into consideration, there are certain types of accidents that are seen over and over again in the case of motorcycle crashes. Below are the top five causes of motorcycle accidents:
Blind spots: Usually a quick check over the shoulder is enough for a car to check their blind spot and see that another vehicle is there before they change lanes. However, the smaller size of motorcycles makes them easy to miss in blind spots; or the motorcycle could not have fully left the blind spot before the car starts to make its move. This can result in a lane change accident, one of the most common types in motorcycle crashes.
Lane splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides along the shoulder of a road, or “rides the line,” driving between the two lanes in between parked or slowly moving cars. This is another very common cause of motorcycle accidents, simply because other drivers aren’t expecting another vehicle to be there.
Speeding: Speed is a factor in most car crashes, but it’s different when a motorcycle is involved. One reason for this is because motorcycles accelerate much easier than cars or SUVs and so some riders, especially beginners, may end up going far too quickly, even if they don’t mean to. A motorcycle accident caused by speed can also have much more severe consequences, due to the lack of protection around the motorcycle driver.
Road Hazards: Potholes and road debris might not be a big deal for other vehicles, but they can be very dangerous for motorcycle drivers. Bikes can flip if they hit a pothole too quickly or at a wrong angle, or they can be hit by other drivers when swerving to avoid something in the road.
A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that all motorcycle accidents are the fault of the motorcycle driver. However, this isn’t always the case. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us at Breyer Law Offices, P.C.