Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, but there are some common causes. If you’re a motorcycle rider, it’s important to be aware of these so you can try to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents, and it is especially dangerous for motorcycles. Drivers texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or messing with the radio can quickly lose focus and crash into motorcyclists. In an accident like this, Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. You contact a firm to schedule a case evaluation. In the meantime, collect as much video and photo evidence of the other driver’s negligence to help build your case.

Tailgating and Road Rage

Tailgaiting is a common act of road rage. It involves riding too close to the car in front of you, which is especially dangerous when the vehicle being followed is a motorcycle. If the motorcycle doesn’t reach the speed of the driver behind them, this could result in a deadly accident. On the other hand, when a motorcycle rider is riding too close to the car in front of them, they are at risk of being hit if the car in front brakes suddenly. Providing ample space between vehicles is best for everyone’s safety. Another type of road rage includes erratic weaving between lanes to show dominance. This is particularly dangerous for motorcycle drivers because they tend to slip into the blindspots of bigger vehicles. Any road rage is a hazard to motorcycle drivers, so defensive driving skills are vital.

Road Hazards

Common road hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, and gravel can also cause accidents to all vehicles but are more dangerous for motorcycle drivers. If a rider hits one of these obstacles while traveling at high speed, they could easily be thrown from the bike and suffer serious injuries. All motorcycle drivers need to wear proper riding gear—especially a helmet. Motorcyclists may also be subjected to harsh glare from the sun, icy roads, and unsafe signage. These hazards may feel like a minor inconvenience to drivers in large vehicles, but they’re a dangerous nuisance to motorcyclists.

Car Doors

Motorcyclists are often injured in accidents when a car door opens into their path. This typically happens when a driver is parallel parked and opens their door without looking in blindspots and side mirrors. This can leave the motorcyclist and even the vehicle driver with severe injuries. Similarly, cars leaving a parking spot may forget to check their blindspots, potentially leading to a deadly accident involving a motorcyclist they didn’t spot in time.

Driver Error

As fatalities on the road continue to soar, motorcycle drivers need to be aware of potential driver errors. This includes things like making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, running a red light or stop sign, and braking suddenly in front of a motorcycle. Inexperienced drivers or those who are not used to sharing the road with motorcycles are particularly at risk for causing these types of accidents. Additionally, when a driver fails to yield the right of way to a motorcycle, it can result in a serious accident. This is because motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than cars, and they often have less time to stop or avoid obstacles. Failing to yield the right of way can also cause a motorcyclist to swerve out of control or be thrown from the bike.

The common causes of motorcycle accidents are a significant contributor to injuries and fatalities among motorcyclists. By understanding these causes and seeking an attorney when necessary, riders can effectively prepare for the many dangers on the road.