What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycles can be exhilarating, but they can also be extremely dangerous under the right circumstances. Motorcycle accidents take the lives of nearly 5,000 people in the United States each year, and roughly 90,000 others are injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Because motorcyclists lack the same physical barriers individuals in passenger vehicles do, they are much more likely to be injured or fatally wounded in a crash. To do your part in preventing more motorcycle crashes from occurring, find out how these accidents are caused and discover what you can do to avoid a crash.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Dangerous road conditions: When a road is poorly constructed or improperly maintained, it can make for a dangerous driving situation. Mismarked turns, fallen signs, and cracked pavement are just a few examples of unsafe road conditions.
• Road hazards: Road hazards can appear in many forms but may include fallen branches, construction site debris, black ice, and rain.
• Drunk driving: Driver intoxication can be extremely dangerous, whether the motorcyclist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other drivers are.
• Lane splitting: Motorcyclists often ride between lanes of traffic, a habit referred to as lane splitting, in order to avoid congested roadways. However, if the motorcyclist isn’t careful, or if other drivers aren’t paying attention, the biker could be hit or blocked, causing an accident.
• Left turn accidents: Many motorcycle crashes are caused by driver inattention during left turns. If a driver fails to notice a motorcyclist as they make a left turn, they could block the biker or collide with them.
• Vehicle defects: If a bike malfunctions because of a defective design or a faulty part, it could cause the rider to lose control of the bike and crash.

In order to avoid motorcycle accidents, both as a vehicle driver and a motorcyclist, it’s important to know how these crashes are usually caused. To do your part as a motorcyclist, always pay attention to your surroundings, keep your bike well maintained, and wear the appropriate protective gear. As the driver of a car, truck, or other vehicle, make sure you keep an eye out for motorcyclists, check your blind spots before making a lane change, and always drive sober.

If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian car accident, our firm can help. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to get started on your Detroit personal injury case.