The Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycling: a fun and relaxing pastime or an economical way to commute.  However, the often cited benefits of motorcycles and motorcycling can come at a price.  That price is the safety and well-being of the motorcyclist and their passenger. In other words, motorcyclists understand that the benefits and perks of motorcycling mean that they are more likely to be seriously hurt or even killed if they are involved in a motor vehicle crash while riding.

Motorcyclists who survive a collision or accident will find themselves in a world of physical, mental, and financial pain. Recovering from a motorcycle accident takes time and money, and Parker Waichman LLP is here to assist injured motorcyclists in obtaining monetary damages to assist them in their recovery process.

Distracted and impatient drivers are just two of the more common reasons why motor vehicle crashes of any type happen. These factors make motorcycle accidents more likely to occur as well. Not only these, but the following situations are also likely to end with a motorcycle accident:

• Motorists opening their doors into traffic: In busy cities, motorists know to look out for cars approaching from the rear before opening their car doors. If they do not, they run the risk of having their car door torn off by another passing vehicle. When the vehicle striking the open door is a motorcycle, however, the motorcyclist will almost certainly lose control of the motorcycle and crash. The motorcyclist may also be thrown off of the motorcycle, which can lead to “road rash” (extensive and painful abrasions and cuts caused by sliding across the pavement), broken bones, painful facial injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other similar catastrophic injuries;
• Motorists not looking out for motorcyclists before switching lanes: Federal and state governments have partnered in recent times to create public service announcements and awareness campaigns trying to get motorists to be more aware of the prevalence of motorcyclists on the roadways. Drivers of cars and trucks, however, still do not take the extra moment to look for motorcyclists (which are smaller and more difficult to see in a mirror or a glance out a window than cars. As a result, it is not uncommon at all for an inattentive motorist to unintentionally run a motorcyclist off the road or to cut a motorcyclist off.
• Improperly-maintained roads and streets: The weather and passage of time can wreak havoc on streets, leading to cracks, potholes, and other obstacles. Passenger cars and trucks can often traverse these hazards with little problem due to the size of the vehicles and tires and quality of the suspension systems. A large pothole or crack can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the bike and crash. Towns, municipalities, and local and state governments have responsibilities to make sure roads are in good repair. A failure to fulfill this duty can lead to disaster for motorcyclists.

To be sure, there are other circumstances that can lead to a motorcyclist crashing, being thrown off his or her bike, or otherwise sustaining an injury. Most of these collisions and accidents come about because of careless and thoughtless decisions made by drivers – deciding to speed, for example, or taking out one’s frustrations with traffic against a motorcyclist in an act of “road rage” – and, therefore, are preventable. While a motorcycle accident lawsuit is not going to undo a bad decision, it can (at least) help ensure that a motorcyclist is not left footing the bill for medical expenses and other costs that came about because another driver made a poor choice.

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Did you or a loved one suffer an injury due to a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver?  Parker Waichman LLP helps victims and families receive justice and full monetary compensation for harm caused by a motorcycle accident. Trust your case with our motorcycle accident lawyers. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).