Any time you ride in your vehicle, you are taking a risk. However, motorcyclists multiply that risk tenfold. Motorcycles do not have the shell of an automobile to protect them, and they are more challenging to see than other vehicles. This is part of the reason why the fatality rate of a motorcycle driver is 35 times higher than that of a car driver.
While there is not much we can do to make a motorcycle more visible, drivers can take extra precautions when driving near a motorcycle.
This article will take a look at some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in the hopes that drivers will take precautions to minimize this behavior.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Several things can cause a motorcycle accident. Here are some of the most common.
Distracted Driving: There are many reasons a driver can become distracted while on the road. Many drivers text or look at their devices when driving. Some may be taking in the scenery around them. Others may just be caught up in their thoughts from the day.
Distracted driving is never a good thing, but it can be especially dangerous when you’re driving near a motorcycle.
Left Turns: Motorcycle accidents often occur when drivers are making left turns at intersections. They do not see motorcycles that may be coming from the other way while going through the intersection. This can result in a severe accident.
Driving While Intoxicated: Driving while intoxicated is never a good idea, but it can be especially dangerous in clouding judgment when riding near a motorcyclist.
Switching Lanes: Because motorcycles are so small, it is easy for them to fall into the driver’s blind spots. This is especially dangerous when drivers are switching lanes. If drivers don’t take the time to look over their shoulder to check the lane next to them, they could end up sideswiping a motorcyclist and running them off the road.
Tailgating: Tailgating is another dangerous activity that can be even more hazardous when a motorcycle is involved. Motorcycles are lightweight and therefore have a shorter stopping distance. That is why they are especially susceptible to being rear-ended by a driver.
Potholes or Debris: The condition of the road can also increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident occurring. Due to the motorcycle’s design, drivers face a higher risk of a crash due to steep shoulder drop-offs, cracked pavement, varying road surfaces, puddles, and debris.
Defective Manufacturing: Design flaws in the manufacturing of the motorcycle can also contribute to an accident. In these cases, the motorcycle manufacturer may be the at-fault party.
What to Do If You are Involved in An Accident
No matter what the cause of your motorcycle accident is, if you were injured, you have a right to compensation. That starts with teaming up with the right Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer.
A lawyer will help you determine the cause of your accident as well as the at-fault parties. He or she will assess the damages to figure out how much you should be compensated. Then they will do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you are looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina, Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is highly recommended.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers takes a client-centered approach by treating the people they represent with care and respect. They understand that their clients are going through a difficult time, and they treat them with the utmost sensitivity. Yet they can be ruthless when it comes to making sure that justice is served.
There is a lot we can do to prevent motorcycle accidents from occurring. However, these types of accidents can be challenging to avoid. If you find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident, Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can help. Call them first to get the compensation you deserve.
