Most motorcycle accidents are caused by human error, such as rider error, driver error, or road conditions. However, some common motorcycle accidents occur more frequently than others. The most common motorcycle accident is a collision with another vehicle. Motorcycle riders are also at risk of being hit by debris or other objects on the road. Due to how they are designed, motorcycles are inherently less safe to operate than cars.
A Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer will investigate your motorcycle accident case, collect evidence, and determine the liable parties involved in the accident.
In most automobile accidents, motorcycles bear the brunt of the damage, and motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or killed in such incidents. For these and other reasons, it pays to understand how the most common types of motorcycle accidents occur. By being aware of how they happen, you’ll easily avoid them.
Some of the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents are:
- Head-on collisions
- Motorcycle making left-hand turns
- Motorcyclist Speeding and Alcohol Use
- Collisions with Fixed Objects
- Lane-switching motorcycle accidents
- Lane splitting accidents
- Corner-turning motorcycle crashes
Head-On Collisions
More than half of all motorcycle deaths occur due to automobile crashes. In most cases, the car crashes into the front of the motorcycle. The car’s driver is shielded, but the motorcyclist doesn’t have that luxury. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay alert while operating a motorcycle. In addition, there needs to be more wiggle room for going head-to-head with a car, truck, van, or another vehicle.
Motorcycle Making Left-Hand Turns
Be especially cautious when approaching a car making a left-hand turn because this is the most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common motorcycle accidents. Forty-two percent of all automobile crashes happen under such circumstances.
Whether the motorcyclist is driving straight through an intersection, trying to overtake a car, or attempting to pass a car, the fact is that automobile drivers often fail to notice motorcycles. As a result, they often make their turns directly into motorcycles’ paths. While car drivers typically emerge unscathed, the same can’t be for motorcyclists.
Motorcyclist Speeding and Alcohol Use
In motorcycle accidents that involve no other vehicles, speeding and alcohol use are to blame about half the time. The lesson learned here is never to speed while operating a motorcycle and never to operate one under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operating a motorcycle is risky enough as it is; when excessive speed and alcohol use into the mix, all bets are off. The odds of being involved in a severe accident increase dramatically under such circumstances.
Collisions with Fixed Objects
Approximately 25 percent of all motorcyclist deaths happen when motorcyclists crash into fixed objects. Considering that 18 percent of all car crashes happen under such circumstances, it’s clear that this is a much deadlier issue for motorcyclists. After all, motorcyclists can be ejected from their bikes with ease. So even if you’re wearing a helmet, you could be seriously injured or killed if you crash into a fixed object while riding your motorcycle.
Lane-switching motorcycle accidents
These types of accidents can occur due to several reasons. Some of them are motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic, impaired drivers, failing to check before switching lanes, not using turn signals, or road rash.
These accidents can be avoided by turning signals on while switching lanes, drivers checking their mirrors before switching, and they must constantly change lanes by checking their blind spots.
Lane splitting accidents
An accident can occur due to lane splitting when drivers fail to look at the motorcycles which are changing lanes. Lane splitting refers to an event when a motorcycle rider riding between two lanes of traffic attempts to move in slow traffic.
Lane splitting can occur when the vehicles, say car and motorcycle, are close to each other. Moreover, cars also need to anticipate whether there is any motorcyclist riding.
Corner-turning motorcycle crashes
Corners can prove to be disastrous for motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may try to control their bike, yet sometimes it can result in a deadly accident.
There may be sand, water, or any other patch of gravel in the corner that can turn your motorcycle, causing catastrophic injuries such as head injuries, broken bones, and even wrongful death in fatal cases. One of the easiest ways to stop these accidents is to always ride at an average speed.
Injured In a Motorcycle Crash? Contact Us for Legal Help
A attorney will provide you with an understanding of the motorcycle laws that will help prevent such accidents.
Many victims assume about their case or accident. You must consult a legal professional to know all your legal alternatives for your injury case. Schedule a free case consultation to discuss your case.