What Are the Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? And Why?

While motorcycle riding is one of the favorite pastimes in the United States, the fact remains that this hobby is one of the deadliest in the world, accounting for more accidents each year than vehicular accidents. Additionally, motorcycle accidents are far deadlier as compared to car accidents because motorcycle riders do not have the same level of protection as vehicle drivers. As a result, even minor accidents can cause permanently debilitating or even fatal physical injuries. The following information takes a closer look at some of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents and analyze why these accidents occur so frequently.

Sudden Left Turns

One of the biggest reasons behind motorcycle accidents is motorcycle riders coming across vehicles that make sudden, sharp left-hand turns. While this might sound simple or inconsequential, you’d be surprised to know that more than forty percent of all accidents involve such collisions between a car and a motorcycle.

Unsafe Road & Environmental Conditions

Unsafe environmental conditions like snow and rain are also a major cause of motorcycle accidents throughout the world. Similarly, slippery or broken roads, uneven sidewalks, or other safety hazards might cause a motorcycle to crash into the surrounding vehicles.

Direct Collisions

Direct collisions between cars and motorcycles are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accident-related mortality. More than three-fourth of such accidents are head-on collisions, which can be instantly fatal for motorcycle riders due to the high impact of the collision and the speeds of both the motorbike and the vehicle.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving, including overspeeding, breaking traffic laws, distracted driving, and drunk driving are some of the biggest reasons behind motorcycle accidents throughout the world. Reckless driving is particularly common in sports bikers, who tend to overspeed regularly, and hence are at a higher risk of fatal collisions with traffic vehicles.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is the term attributed to the highly unsafe and illegal practice of driving in between the traffic lanes. Lane splitting can cause motorcycle riders to crash into other motorcycles or vehicles that might be following the course of their normal traffic lanes. The inexperience of motorcycle drivers is one of the biggest factors why people engage in this unsafe driving behavior.

Abrupt Stops

Abrupt stops can cause motorcycles to rear-end the vehicles in front of them, leading to serious physical injuries and property damage for both drivers. Distracted driving and driving under the influence are some factors that might cause vehicle drivers to make abrupt stops in the middle of the road, therefore resulting in such accidents.

Mechanical Defects

Mechanical or manufacturing defects in the motorcycle design can also cause the internal machinery of the motorcycle to malfunction, resulting in catastrophic traffic accidents that might claim the life of the motorcycle driver. All motorcycle owners need to get their motorcycles checked at trusted workshops periodically to rule out the possibility of a potential traffic accident.

Prepare Your Case Today

If you or your loved one got injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. You should consult an experienced attorney from a reputable law firm who will help you gather evidence and file a lawsuit against the person(s) responsible for your motorcycle accident and related injuries.