Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While no more common than other types of vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in serious injuries for the motorcyclist. It may therefore benefit riders to understand the common causes of such accidents that they may be avoided.

Head-On Collisions

The majority of fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by head-on collisions with other automobiles.

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

Cars turning left are exceptionally dangerous for motorcyclists. Though these accidents are common between two cars, the smaller size of a motorcycle means it is less visible to turning cars. Typically the car attempting to make the left turn is at fault for such accidents unless the motorcyclist was speeding or in the wrong lane.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

This occurs when a motorcycle drives in between lanes of stopped traffic or slowly moving vehicles which can result in an accident if the motorcycle careens into a car. Lane splitting is prohibited by Massachusetts law so any injuries to the motorcyclist would be their responsibility.

Motorcyclist Speeding & Alcohol Use

Roughly half of motorcycle accidents are somehow tied to speeding or alcohol use. Again, due to the limited protection afforded by the average motorcycle, such accidents can be especially serious.

Motorcycle Collisions with Fixed Objects

A quarter of motorcyclist deaths are from striking a fixed object such as a tree or light pole.

Road Hazards

The smaller size and reduced stability of a motorcycle makes hazards such as potholes, dead animals, slick pavement, uneven heights between lanes, and other irregularities more dangerous.

Being aware of such threats to motorcyclists can go a long way in reducing the number of motorcyclist injuries and fatalities. For those injured in motorcycles accidents, the Law Office of Steven R. Whitman is ready to put together a claim for bodily injury and financial damages.