Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are more susceptible to getting into an accident than automobiles because they have a higher chance of getting hit due to the fact that they are much smaller than other vehicles and are easily hidden in blind spots. Motorcyclists need to be extra alert and aware on the roadways to lower their risk of being involved in an accident. Since motorcycles have minimal protection, these accidents tend to cause very serious injuries. In 2016, studies reported that 5,286 people died in motorcycle accidents and showed that motorcycle fatalities increased from the year prior. Because these accidents can be extremely dangerous, every motorcyclist should be aware of the leading causes of accidents before they start driving on roadways.
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Lane Splitting: This type of accident occurs when motorcyclists ride in between vehicles and along the shoulder of the road. Drivers are rarely expecting anyone to be in that area, which is why accidents frequently happen. Motorcyclists should refrain from driving in the shoulder on any road because it is very dangerous.
Left-hand Turn Accidents: Left-hand turn accidents happen when a vehicle is turning left and they run into a motorcycle driving through an intersection. Often this happens because motorcycles are much smaller and can hide behind cars easier so vehicles have a more difficult time seeing them.
Road Hazards: Road hazards are incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists to come across because any small object or bump can flip a bike. Common road hazards include uneven ground, potholes, and debris on the road. Motorcyclists don’t have a lot of time to react to road hazards nor do they have much protection around them if they do crash into something.
Blind Spots: Motorcycles often hide right in the blind spots of other vehicles because they are much smaller. If you look at a glance, you can easily miss a motorcycle because they could be hiding right behind another vehicle. Lane change accidents are some of the most common motorcycle accidents because motorcyclists aren’t as visible as other cars.
Speeding: Motorcycles can pick-up speed very quickly. When individuals ride their motorcycles at high speeds, they have more of a risk of losing control. Losing control can cause serious accidents with other vehicles or other properties. This can lead to serious life-threatening injuries. In 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported about 88,000 individuals were injured in a motorcycle crash.
Finding An Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Don’t wait to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney if you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. These situations can be very stressful so it is important to have a strong and trustworthy legal team on your side. The team of Phoenix attorneys at ELG wants to help you with your accident case. Our attorneys will evaluate your accident, give you guidance and legal advice, answer all of your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. Contact us today to determine how our motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG can assist you. Call us at either our Phoenix or Mesa Arizona law offices at (623) 877-3600 to set up a consultation.
