Common Reasons Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Riding on a motorcycle can be both exhilarating and risky. When compared to other accidents on the road, an accident on a motorcycle has an increased risk of serious and fatal injuries. More often than not, a motorcycle accident occurs as a result of another individual's negligence. Keep reading to learn some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents take place.

Left-Hand Turns

One reason that motorcycle accidents occur is due to a motorist or a motorcyclist making a left-hand turn. When this turn is made, the driver or motorcyclist then collides with another vehicle. Usually, these collisions take place when a biker is heading straight through an intersection and a driver in another vehicle is making a left-hand turn. Alternatively, a driver in a vehicle may be passing another vehicle and strikes a motorcyclist when they are making a left-hand turn.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when drivers fail to properly yield to a biker who has right-of-way or if they are distracted in one way or another. The individual on the motorcycle can be thrown from the bike, leading to life-changing problems like paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. In most cases, however, head-on collisions result in fatal injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Another reason that motorcycle collisions take place is as a result of someone being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired automobile driving is one of the most common reasons that accidents occur on the road across the country. If you decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or motorcycle while under the influence of a substance of any kind, your judgment is significantly impaired, your reaction time is considerably delayed, your inhibitions are lowered, and you are more likely to engage in a variety of reckless behaviors. Therefore, when driving under the influence, there is a greater risk of an accident occurring.

Speeding

Finally, speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. While you may be driving the posted speed limit as a motorcyclist, other drivers on the road may be driving well above that posted speed limit. When this happens, it can increase the risk of an accident occurring, potentially resulting in a collision. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are the ones who suffer the most because of the limited protection that they have on their bikes.

If you have recently been involved in a motorcycle accident and believe that your injuries were a result of someone else's negligence and/or reckless behavior, you could be entitled to monetary damages. For more information, contact a motorcycle accident attorney today.


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