Motorcycle riders are almost 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash on the road than someone in a car, and about 5 times more likely to suffer injuries. As Florida motorcycle accident lawyers, we know just how potentially dangerous it can be to ride a bike on the road. And motorcycle riders know that the lack of a protective infrastructure on a bike can increase the chances of having a serious or fatal accident.
These numbers imply motorcyclists must understand the common causes of the accidents and use those facts to lower their risk of getting involved in an accident. Here are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that you should know.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida contact our accident lawyers at Zimmet & Zimmet. We will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can have many different causes, although these 10 are the most common:
- Changing lanes suddenly or unsafely: Not signaling or not checking in the blind spot can lead to a car and a motorcycle colliding. One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists occur whenever car drivers make an improper left-hand turn. These crashes account for 42 percent of all crashes involving cars and motorcycles. The turning car might strike motorcyclist when he or she is passing the car, going straight through intersections, or when the motorcyclist is trying to overtake the car.These accidents are also common between small vehicles. However, the motorcycle’s small size makes it more prone to these accidents because the car driver might not see the motorcyclist on time. In the event that the motorcyclist was in the wrong lane or speeding, he or she may be held partly responsible for the crash. In most states, this means that the victim will get less compensation from the car driver for the damages associated with the accident.
- Car door: A motorcycle running into a car door that’s been opened by a driver can lead to some motorcycle accidents.
- Speeding: The consequences of speeding are more serious if there is a greater impact, which is more likely the faster you are going.
- Driving under the influence: Criminal and civil liability can be the consequences of a motorcycle rider or car driver driving after having had too much to drink.
- Splitting lanes: Not only is this illegal in Florida, but it can be extremely dangerous for an inexperienced bike rider. Lane splitting is when a bike is driven between two lanes of traffic.In case an accident occurs when the motorcyclist is lane splitting, whether the car driver or the motorcyclists is at fault depends on various factors like if or not the tendency of lane-splitting is permissible, the views of the law enforcement officers on lane splitting, and the specific actions of the car driver and the motorcyclist before the incidents. It is recommended to avoid lane splitting even when you are absolutely sure it is safe.
- Sudden stops: Serious injuries or death aren’t uncommon when a rear-end collision is caused by a bike or car stopping too suddenly and without warning.
- Inexperienced drivers: Unsafe maneuvers that lead to accidents are much more likely to be carried out by inexperienced riders.
- Left-turn accidents: It’s common for motorcycle riders to be injured and even killed by making a left turn and not accurately judging the distance, or by making a mistake with who has right of way.
- Dangerous conditions on roads: It’s easy to lose control of your bike or become distracted if you’re faced with inadequate signs or signals, potholes, debris on the road, or a crumbling road surface.
- Defective motorcycle: If your injury or death on a motorcycle is caused by a defective part, the manufacturer can be held liable.
If You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Life changing injuries aren’t uncommon for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident, and these can include broken bones, injuries to the spinal cord and damage to the brain. And it’s not uncommon for the resulting medical treatment to run into thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime or even hundreds of thousands. Zimmet and Zimmet are experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyers and are standing by to help if you or a loved one have injuries resulting from a Florida motorcycle accident, regardless of the cause.
Loss of income reduced earning potential, medical bills, charges for rehab or hospital stays can all add up, and you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact Daytona Beach’s five stars rated motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Have you been injured in an accident or fall? Do You have question and want to know your legal options. Call 386-255-6400 for a free consultation and remember there is NO FEE unless WE Win.
