What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
No vehicle can match the freedom and thrill of cruising on a motorcycle, but that excitement comes at a cost for thousands of riders each year. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the number of motorcyclist injuries reached 88,000 in 2015, and 4,976 riders died. That fatality rate marked an 8.3-percent increase from 2014.
There are numerous factors that contribute to motorcycle wrecks, but most of these accidents involve one of the following scenarios:
- The rider was hit by a passenger vehicle that was changing lanes;
- Adverse road conditions impaired the motorcycle’s handling;
- The motorcyclist was lane-splitting; or
- The door of a passenger vehicle opened unexpectedly and hit the rider.
No matter how experienced you are in the saddle, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that another person caused, turn to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
An Alexandria auto accident lawyer will investigate your case, gather evidence, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum settlement. Call (337) 777-7777 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s examine four of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes:
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Being Hit by a Passenger Vehicle That Is Changing Lanes
According to RideApart.com, a significant percentage of motorcycle collisions happen because other drivers fail to see the motorcyclist. This type of accident often occurs when passenger-vehicle drivers forget to check their blind spots before changing lanes.
As a rider, you can reduce your risk by avoiding the blind spots of other vehicles. You should also take steps to help other drivers see you. Wear a jacket that is made of reflective material, and keep your headlight turned on at all times.
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Adverse Road Conditions
Due to their two-wheeled structure, motorcycles are less stable than their four-wheeled counterparts, so a small pothole or patch of gravel is all it takes to cause a rider to lose control. Be cautious when you ride on unfamiliar routes, and never do so at night or when visibility is low.
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Lane-Splitting
As its name implies, lane-splitting involves riding between two lanes to bypass slow traffic. This practice is illegal in the state of Louisiana due to the danger it poses to the motorcyclist and other drivers. Lane-splitting might shave a few minutes off your commute, but the risk certainly isn’t worth the reward.
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Passenger Vehicle Door Unexpectedly Opens and Hits the Rider
It goes without saying that crashing into a car door can cause severe injuries. These accidents are especially common in urban areas, but they can happen anywhere vehicles park alongside the road. If you are traveling down such a road, you can reduce your risk by riding a sufficient distance away from parked cars.
Although these tips will increase your chance of reaching your destination unscathed, some collisions are simply unavoidable. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.
Call (337) 777-7777 today to arrange a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Alexandria. You can learn more about motorcycle accident claims at USAttorneys.com.
