Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles make up a disproportionate number of serious traffic injuries and fatalities. Motorcycle riders face unique dangers on the road, and they are more directly exposed to the hazards that all motorists face. Read on to learn about the common factors leading to motorcycle crashes, and call a seasoned Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyer if you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Antelope Valley.
Intoxicated riders or drivers. Whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle, one of the most common factors in any accident is intoxication. Passenger car drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to fail to see motorcyclists nearby or in blind spots, and they are more likely to make sudden movements such as lane changes or stops without signaling. Intoxicated bikers, in turn, will have slowed reaction speeds, more aggressive riding tactics, and an overall impaired ability to ride safely.
Unsafe lane changes and left turns. Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car driver makes a sudden left turn, either without signaling or against a green light on the other side of an intersection. Drivers often claim they did not “see” an approaching motorcycle because the vehicles are smaller. When a motorcycle broadsides a left-turning passenger car, it is the motorcyclist who is likely to suffer serious injury. Similarly, negligent drivers often make sudden lane changes without signaling and without checking their blind spots for harder-to-see vehicles like motorcycles.
Inexperienced drivers and riders. New and inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists are more likely to make mistakes on the road, creating hazards for other motorists. A significant portion of motorcycle crashes involve riders who do not have the proper license.
Car doors. Bikers are uniquely exposed to the danger of open car doors on the road. Accidents occur when a parked car or a car in traffic opens a door and a motorcycle rider does not have time to move out of the way.
Speeding. Speeding remains a leading cause of accidents across all vehicle types. Speeding passenger cars are less able to adjust to an unexpected motorcyclist, and speeding bikers have reduced time to react to stopped vehicles, car doors, and other hazards. The higher the speed, the greater the danger to the parties involved.
Dangerous road or weather conditions. Snow, fog, rain, and sleet increase the chance of an accident, and motorcycle riders are more directly exposed to these elements than passenger car drivers. Bikers are also more likely to be affected by hazards in the road such as felled trees or potholes. Inclement weather and road hazards are likely to cause single-bike accidents as well as multiple-vehicle crashes.
Sudden stops. Rear-end collisions often occur when a rider is following a vehicle in front too closely, giving them insufficient time to react to a sudden stop.
Motorcycle defects. Faulty brakes, failing engines, unresponsive steering, and any number of other motorcycle defects can lead to a catastrophic crash. If a manufacturing defect causes an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable for any injuries that result.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle crash in California, talk to a dedicated and professional Lancaster motorcycle accident attorney about pursuing a claim for damages by calling the Kistler Law Firm at 661-206-6990.
