The 4 Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Corbin Sutter
Motorcycle Crash
We’re fortunate in Florida to live in a part of the country where snow never arrives in winter. As a result, road conditions are generally good, and the temperature is forgiving enough that people who ride motorcycles can enjoy the use of their vehicles all year ‘round.Unfortunately, this also means that because motorcycles are always on the road, we don’t get that “dip” in motorcycle accidents during the winter that other states do. This is why motorcyclists should always keep an eye out for these four situations that have a higher likelihood of causing accidents.
A Parked Car Opens Its Door
It happens all too frequently. Someone that has parallel parked on the side of the street is now ready to exit the vehicle, and the driver opens the door without checking to see if the way is clear. If you’re on a motorcycle, this becomes a high-speed collision with a stationary object.
The best way to avoid this situation is not to try to bypass traffic by driving in the space between cars on the road and parked cars. The temptation to do this is great because the way is often clear, but there’s very little time to react if a parked car suddenly swings its door open in front of you.
A Car Collides Into You From Behind
As unbelievable as it may seem, sometimes you can be stopped at an intersection, waiting for the traffic light to change, and a vehicle coming up behind you will not see you and hit you due to a lack of paying attention. This is especially true at night, in poor visibility areas, or if you happen to be in the vicinity of a bar as it closes, and drivers who are too drunk to legally get behind the wheel exercise poor judgment and do it anyway.
One of the best ways to avoid this situation is to get another stopped car between you and others, creating a “crumple zone” where someone else, protected by a car, will get hit first. If you’re stopped behind a car, move on ahead.
Car Doesn’t See You When Changing Lanes
An all-too-common occurrence on Florida highways and freeways is people in a hurry to change lanes and not properly checking their blindspot when they do so. This is already bad enough when a car hits another car on the road, but when it hits a motorcyclist, the injury potential is magnified.
The only way to avoid this is to exercise “high alert” on the roads when surrounded by other vehicles, especially when those vehicles are moving at similar speeds. Be prepared to react.
Car Taking A Left Turn
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents, as well as car accidents, bike accidents, and pedestrian accidents is drivers in a hurry to make a left turn, and not checking for clear access. Cars making a left turn should always yield to pedestrians, cyclists and other oncoming traffic like other cars and motorcyclists, but some people, in a hurry, forget this important rule.
If you’ve been injured on your motorcycle by the negligent driving of someone else, they are legally and financially responsible for what happened to you. Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer, and find out what your options are.