Motorcyclists have a higher risk of fatality when compared to passengers in cars, especially due to the motorcycle’s lighter weight and lack of surrounding structure to protect the passengers in the event of a collision. Motorcyclists have many obstacles and potential dangers that can result in a crash, which can lead to severe injuries and even fatality. To reduce the risk of a crash, it is important to be aware of the causes of most motorcycle accidents

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What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? 

1. Lane Changes 

Motorcycles are harder to spot due to their small size, especially if they are in the driver’s blind spot. In addition, their smaller size may cause errors in judging the speed at which they are traveling. As a result, switching lanes causes many motorcycle accidents. 

2. Speeding 

Speeding is one of the most common causes of all vehicle accidents. Traveling over the speed limit reduces the time drivers have to react to certain situations. Furthermore, faster speeds lead to more impactful collisions.  

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 

Drivers who illegally consume too much alcohol and drugs to operate a vehicle have blurred vision and reduced alertness. This can result in slower reaction times, leading to more crashes.  

4. Lane Splitting 

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives on the lane markings between two lanes as well as maneuver between cars. This could cause accidents, especially when a car switches lanes or when the motorcyclist goes too fast. 

5. Sudden Stops 

Motorcyclists, during normal road conditions, are able to stop faster than larger vehicles. Therefore, a sudden stop of a motorcycle could result in an accident if the trailing car is following too closely. 

6. Left Turns 

Cars when making a left turn might not see an oncoming motorcycle due to its small size. This can result in a head-on collision between the turning vehicle and the motorcycle, causing injury or death.  

7. Road Conditions 

Bad weather like snow, rain, and hail can cause the roads to become slippery. Uneven road surfaces like gravel on pavement, railroad tracks, and edge breaks can cause a motorcyclist to lose balance. Edge breaks are slight inclination changes on a road surface usually between lanes. Animals can cause motorcyclists to swerve or fall off their motorcycles if they crash into them. Even leaves and sticks can cause motorcyclists to lose balance and fall. 

Tragically, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury or even death to the motorcyclist. If you are in a motorcycle accident, Foley & Small can help you. With our experts in the operation and maintenance of motorcycles, we are able to effectively handle many cases concerning motorcycle accidents. We work with forensic engineers, civil engineers and human factors experts to prepare for these cases.  

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