What Causes Motorcycle Accidents? 8 Quick Facts

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents? 8 Quick Facts

Motorcycle riding is a popular and entertaining sport, but it may also be risky. Today, the probability that motorcycle riders and their passengers would suffer severe and permanently crippling injuries is increased. American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research reported that around 5,579 motorcyclists have died in fatal traffic crashes in 2020.

Anything can lead to a motorcycle accident. In most cases, the cyclist has the blame. However, it may be the fault of the second party (car drivers, etc.). In whichever case, you will need a motorcycle accident lawyer who will evaluate the legal aspects of the accident. The would ensure you get compensated or execute your insurance plan to cover for your loss. For more information on panel beaters in Bayswater you can find out more at Sheen Group.

Read till the end, as the article will educate you on the reasons for motorcycle accidents and how to get legal help.

What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Accident?

After an accident, you must go to an emergency room at a hospital or urgent care facility for medical attention. Then, consult a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer who will go through the details of your accident and evaluate whether you qualify to file a claim. If you are eligible to file a claim or lawsuit, your lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

However, if your case does not qualify for a claim, your lawyer will help you get the benefits of your insurance plan.

8 Quick Facts On The Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycling can be a fun and dangerous activity. However, in case of an accident, a cyclist needs an insurance quote for legal compensation and james medows reviews ease. But then, what are the major causes of motorcycle accidents?

1. Careless Driving 

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by careless driving on the cyclist’s part. This increases their risks of colliding with a motorbike or another vehicle by speeding, or operating a vehicle while drunk. However, motorcycle accidents are not exclusively caused by careless driving. 

2. Splitting Lanes

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle travels between two sides of cars when there is traffic.

Lane splitting can swiftly result in a crash due to: 

  • the motorbike’s proximity to other vehicles when driving
  • the space it has to maneuver around them
  • and the fact that drivers do not anticipate a motorbike passing them in a traffic jam.

Although motorcyclists are usually blamed for these collisions, it all depends on the state’s lane-splitting laws. Other factors are the judge’s and law enforcement officials’ opinions of the practice, and the circumstances surrounding the event.

3. Mechanical Breakdown

Mechanical breakdown can also contribute to the causes of motorcycle accidents. However, it might not always be personal negligence. Your brakes could suddenly fail without warning, but it’s more likely that they weren’t properly repaired or maintained throughout the motorcycle’s life. Sometimes, one of the mirrors may crack, leaving one side of your blind area exposed.

Another mechanical defect is tire performance which some motorcyclists sometimes disregard. Your ability to ride safely and successfully depends on your tires’ tread, age, shape and condition. All of this should be checked regularly. Regular maintenance and inspection of your motorcycle will help you avoid motorcycle accidents caused by mechanical breakdown.

4. Distraction 

Motorcycle accidents result from careless driving on the part of both motorcycle and another motorist. This can result in death and injury. Distracted driving poses a risk, and drivers and bike riders share blame.

There are several causes of driver distraction in modern times, including food, music, podcasts, phone conversations, emails, messages, and carelessness. 

These can impair a driver’s ability to see or react to a motorcycle when they are moving.

Motorcycle riders who enjoy the freedom of the open road might not notice the slowed traffic in front of them. Riders can take measures that include maintaining a proper distance, acquiring crash evasion technology, and donning noticeable gear.

5. Road Conditions

Roadway conditions are one of the more frequent causes of motorcycle accidents and dangers many riders ignore. In a car, features you might not notice can play a significant role in a collision with a motorcycle. These include:

  • Poorly illuminated intersections and roads
  • Undefined lane changes
  • Insufficiently delineated curves or merging zones
  • Weak shoulders
  • Obscured driveways
  • Absence of guardrails, medians, or dividers
  • Flaws in the pavement (uneven, grooved, resurfaced, potholes, etc.)
  • View restriction caused by low-hanging trees or plants
  • Dangerous railroad tracks
  • Standing or flowing water
  • Risky bridge joints
  • Sand, gravel, or rubble
  1. Left Turn Collisions

Motorcycle collisions are usually caused by “T-bone” collisions, which include left-turn collisions. A left turn can result in a collision for various reasons, but sometimes, the motorist will blame lane blindness for hitting the rider. Motorcycle accidents involving left-turning vehicles are fatal. 

According to a 2019 NHTSA report, a car turning left just before impact occurs in over half of all fatal collisions involving a car and a motorbike. In intersections, cars turning left often collide with approaching or passing motorbikes. Accidents involving left turns frequently result from:

  • Driving drowsiness
  • Low visibility (car drivers frequently struggle to see and gauge the speed of motorcyclists)

It is well established that drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. Therefore, the person driving the automobile who strikes the motorcycle while making a left turn is usually at fault.

2. Alcohol And Drugs

Alcohol affects decision-making both on and off the road. It is always advised to avoid drinking while driving. Riding a motorbike while intoxicated is dangerous.

Riding a bike demands quick reactions; even one drink might slow your physical consciousness. This impairs essential skills like response time and the parts of the brain that assess a person’s ability to drive or even their concentration level.

3. Lack of Experience & Licensing

Shockingly, many riders do not have valid motorbike licenses. There are disastrous effects for motorcyclists who ride without a license and lack experience and proper training. In 2012, nearly one-fourth of all fatally wounded motorcycle riders lacked a valid license. Trying to ride a bike without knowledge of how the bike operates is dangerous. 

What Is Motorcycle Insurance? 

Motorcycle insurance is essential as your safety gear. It pays for replacements, repairs, and medical expenses for anyone hurt in an accident. It also covers the expense of repairing any property damaged in an accident. After an accident, an insurance claims attorney would assess the case and how much your insurance can cover from your motorcycle insurance quote.

How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

Motorcycle insurance typically costs $60 per month or $721 annually. However, various factors, such as your location, the kind of motorcycle you ride, and your age, affect the price of motorcycle insurance. For instance, monthly motorcycle rates vary by $123 between states.

As long as you don’t get into accidents, your insurance rate should decrease as you get more experience. The average cost of motorcycle insurance for drivers under the age of 18 is higher than rates for drivers over the age of 21, and those over the age of 21 typically pay higher premiums than riders in their middle years.

Conclusion

There are different causes of motorcycle accidents, as stated in this article. However, most of these accidents can have permanent devastating effects. Adopting safety measures while riding and getting the best insurance plan is essential. In a case where you aren’t the at fault party, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with your insurance claims and compensation.

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