Although motorcycle accidents are not as common as car accidents, they often result in more serious and fatal injuries because motorcyclists do not have the same amount of protection compared to drivers operating passenger vehicles. To avoid being involved in a devastating crash, you must understand the common causes of motorcycle accidents to become a more defensive biker and expect the unexpected.
The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Cars turning left – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 42 percent of motorcycle accidents involved a vehicle making a left-hand turn while the motorcyclist was either traveling straight, passing the vehicle, or attempting to overtake the car. Since motorcycles are more difficult to see, drivers fail to properly look out for motorcyclists before turning left at an intersection.
Head-on collisions – Fifty-six (56) percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles. However, 78 percent of these accidents are caused by a car striking the front of a motorcycle. Unfortunately, head-on collisions involving motorcyclists generally result in death or catastrophic injuries.
Drivers failing to check their blind spots – Before making a turn or switching lanes, drivers are required to perform a “head check” and turn their signals on to alert surrounding vehicles of the impending move. When a driver fails to check their blind spots, they may not notice a motorcyclist passing by.
Distracted drivers – Since smartphones have become an important part of our lives, many people find it difficult to put them down while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, cellphones and other distractions can take your mind away from the main task of driving, your hands away from the steering wheel, and your eyes away from the road.
Drunk drivers – If a driver is under the influence while operating a vehicle, he/she will have issues maintaining proper lane position, staying vigilant of traffic conditions, and making judgments on the road. Such reckless driving will increase the chances of striking a motorcyclist.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Charleston, SC, contact Pierce | Sloan today at (843) 968-0886 for a free initial consultation. Our legal team has more than 125 years of combined legal experience helping our clients recover their entitled compensation.