3 Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the US
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in “2017 alone, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than automobile occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled,“ and an additional 5,172 motorcyclists lost their lives to motorcycle crashes in the same year. In addition to this, cyclists and their passengers are more exposed to the elements and road conditions when compared to car drivers. Keep reading to learn about the three most common motorcycle accidents in the United States today, and how to avoid them, or where possible, seek fair compensation for damages incurred.
1. Motorcycle Lane Splitting
When a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of slow-moving or stationary cars in the middle of traffic, they are guilty of lane splitting. Lane splitting is legal in some states and when an accident occurs because of this, the consequences may be subjective and may be based on the actions of the motorist and motorcycle rider before the accident. In some states like California, lane splitting is permissible if it occurs in a “safe and prudent“ manner. Although what is safe and prudent is subjective to the judge and law enforcement.
Lane splitting is a common motorcycle accident because of the limited space provided for the motorcyclist to move through the lanes and the closeness between the cars and the motorcycle. Most times, insurance adjusters will find the motorcyclist liable when a motorcycle accident occurs because of lane splitting. This can, however, be reversed if the biker can prove that the negligent driver was responsible for the accident.
If the cyclist can prove fault in this personal injury accident, they can receive either partial or full compensation for their physical injuries and property damage. An example of negligent driving could involve talking on the phone/texting while driving and not paying attention to the road. According to California motorcycle accident lawyer Daniel Kim, after you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, never admit fault, always get a police report, and take down the contact information of any witnesses.
2. Cars Making Left-Hand Turns
Cars making left-hand turns can also result in a motorcycle accident. This often results in a collision and can occur when the turning car hits the motorcyclist when the motorcycle is attempting to pass the vehicle or going through an intersection. Although these accidents are also common among vehicles, they are most prevalent among motorcyclists because the small stature of motorcycles makes them had to spot.
If a car driver causes damage to another vehicle because of making a left-hand turn, they will be considered the guilty party. On the other hand, if the motorcycle rider is guilty of riding in the wrong lane or over-speeding, they will also be deemed to be partially responsible and may receive less compensation if they sue for damages.
The law firm of Daniel Kim is best placed to handle your motorcycle accident case because they have experience handling insurance companies. This should give you the confidence you need to know that your motorcycle accident lawsuit will be given the best possible defense as they have years of experience defending their clients from evasive insurance companies. To add to this, their law firm has a team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who specialize in litigating motor vehicle accidents. In this way, they have perfected the art of winning fair verdicts for their clients and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for damages incurred. Visit their website today to schedule a free consultation.
3. Head-on Collision
According to the NHTSA, “Head injury is a leading cause of death and serious injury in motorcycle crashes.“ To add to this, 55 percent of deaths by motorcycle accidents result from head-on collisions. In this case, the injured motorcyclist can suffer catastrophic injuries, lacerations, broken bones, or a spinal cord injury, necessitating the need for lifetime medical care.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include riding under the influence of alcohol, speeding, lack of protection (helmets, or reflector jackets for instance), potholes, and driver fatigue, to mention a few.