Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles belong to a separate breed of machines. They’re fast. They’re powerful. They’re an expression of freedom. The feeling of racing down the highway with the wind crashing on your visor and adrenaline levels climbing is something that only motorcyclists can experience.

As exciting as all that sounds, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to severe injuries when they’re involved in an accident. In 2020, over 82,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries, and over 5,500 were killed due to accidents. Another scary fact is that, despite motorcycles accounting for only 3% of all registered vehicles, they were responsible for 14% of all traffic fatalities.

If you were unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t fret. Search for the top motorcycle accident attorneys based on your location and start the legal process.

Yes, a lawyer’s role in a motorcycle accident is invaluable. But something worth having is knowledge about motorcycle accidents. This article talks about all the essential information about motorcycle accidents. Read on.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

When talking about motorcycle accidents, it is essential to learn about their causes. Knowledge about the causes, especially the most common ones, will help you be more aware the next time you take your machine out.

Road Hazards

Uneven road surfaces, slippery conditions, debris on the road, and railway tracks are a few examples of road hazards. A motorcyclist may bump into or run over these obstructive elements and fall, resulting in an injury.

Cars Making Left Turns

Although cars making unannounced left turns are also dangerous for other motorists, they are highly terrifying for motorcycles.

At intersections where left-hand accidents are common, the vehicle coming in the opposite direction has the right of way. When the driver of the car making the left turn is distracted, they tend to crash into the motorcycle coming in the opposite direction.

If the motorcyclist ignored a red light, was overspeeding, or was riding in the wrong lane, they will hold some liability for the accident.

Irresponsible Driving Behaviors

Any behavior that doesn’t align with safe driving practices comes under this category. Driving behaviors that often lead to accidents include,
  • Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Riding without a helmet or appropriate riding gear
  • Lack of experience
  • Riding without a valid license
  • Underage riding
  • Reckless riding
  • Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is the act of a motorcycle squeezing itself between lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. There are increased chances of accidents when this happens because the car isn’t expecting the bike to pass by it. Lane splitting is allowed only in a few states. This means the motorcyclist will be responsible for most lane-splitting accidents.

Those were the common causes of motorcycle accidents. A good chunk of motorcycle accidents can be avoided when riders follow safe driving practices. Next, let’s look at the parties who can be held liable in a motorcycle accident.

Liable Parties in a Motorcycle Accident

Individuals involved in a motorcycle accident (including the rider) can be held liable based on the circumstances under which the accident happened. The responsible parties in a motorcycle accident are,
  • Negligent/Irresponsible Drivers: Negligent drivers are dangerous to everyone on the road, not just motorcyclists. Drivers engaging in unsafe driving practices like texting or answering calls, eating, or multitasking while driving tend to cause accidents. Irresponsible driving habits like tailgating, speeding, skipping red lights, or drunk driving also lead to accidents. If the victim proves the car driver’s role in any of the above-mentioned activities, the car driver is liable for damages caused.
  • Motorcycle/Parts Manufacturer: There are chances that the parts of a motorcycle may be defective. Defective parts tend to interfere with the normal functioning of the bike, leading to accidents. Defects in replaced parts may also cause accidents. In both cases, the motorcycle or parts manufacturer can be held liable. In the second instance, the mechanic who serviced the vehicle can also be held liable.
  • Local/State Government: The government, local or state, is liable if the motorcycle accident happened due to poorly maintained roads. Roads aside, poor intersection design that leads to accidents is also a reason to hold the concerned authorities liable.
With causes and liable parties out of the way, here are the most common injuries a motorcyclist suffers in an accident.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have a metal covering to protect their occupants. As a result, the injuries a motorcyclist suffers are worse. Wearing proper riding gear may contribute to reducing the impact of accidents. Here is a list of common injuries a motorcyclist suffers in an accident.
  • Road rash
  • Fractured bones
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Leg and arm injuries
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Wrapping Up

Motorcycle accidents are no laughing matter. They can cause serious injuries or even death. Learning as much as possible will be helpful when you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident. Knowledge aside, it’s essential to consult a motorcycle accident attorney to seek compensation for the injuries you have suffered due to the accident.