Motorcycle accidents may not be as common as other vehicle accidents, but they are more likely to result in serious injuries or death. The most common reasons these accidents occur usually involve someone else’s negligence. It is possible for an injured motorcyclist to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver. These lawsuits could potentially earn the injured party compensation to pay for their injuries. If you are a motorcyclist, brush up your knowledge on these common causes for motorcycle accidents.
Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn
A common and dangerous cause for motorcycle accidents, cars making a left-hand turn usually happen if a motorcyclist is going straight through an intersection, passing a car, or trying to overtake a car. Due to how small motorcycles are in comparison to cars, most drivers will not notice the motorcycle crossing the intersection or be surprised when the motorcycle suddenly passes them. In most cases, the vehicle that collides with another vehicle while making a left-hand turn will be responsible for the accident. It is possible for a motorcyclist to share some blame such as if they were driving in the wrong lane and that reckless behavior contributed to the accident. Should the motorcyclist be found partly liable, a motorcyclist could receive less compensation than expected or even be barred from receiving compensation.
Speeding and Driving While Drunk
It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Motorcycle drivers are not exempt from these laws and in addition, should take even more care in ensuring they drive home safe and sober. The minimized protection of a motorcycle is not enough to save your life in severe accidents, especially those involving a vehicle. Speeding can also cause injuries and death. If a driver speeds, it can be easy to lose control of the vehicle. This is more so the case when inclement weather, such as snow and ice, reduces visibility and traction for the driver. Make sure to adhere to the speed limit and never drive drunk or high.
Lane Splitting
Motorcycle lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of slow moving traffic. This behavior is more common in traffic jams and there are some states where lane splitting is permissible under the law. However, to prove liability in a lane splitting accident, interested parties in your case are going to want to know what prior behavior from the involved parties contributed to the accident. Lane splitting can easily cause an accident to occur, since the motorcyclist is driving so close to other vehicles in a very tight space. In addition, other drivers may be startled or unused to seeing motorcyclist participate in lane splitting.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, contact an attorney to begin building your case. James W. Sutton, Attorney at Law has past experience assisting injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve to pay for their medical costs. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
