Although every motor vehicle driver must pay close attention to road hazards while sharing the roads, motorcycle riders should be especially vigilant as they are more susceptible to accidents or losing control of their motorcycle in the event that debris, uneven roads, or slick surfaces come out of nowhere. Road hazards may cause a motorcyclist substantial injuries, property damage, and even emotional suffering due to the damages they’ve suffered.
If you have been significantly injured in an accident due to a common road hazard that resulted from the negligence of another driver or entity, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for an assessment of your claim. You may be able to recover fair compensation for the suffering you have endured.
5 Road Hazards Motorcycle Riders Should Look Out For
Road hazards encompass many factors that motorcyclists may face on the road. Sometimes, other drivers may be the cause of the hazard; in other instances, it may be a business or government entity.
The following are the five most common road hazards riders should look out for:
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Blind Spots
Blindspot accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. A motorcycle is small and can remain unseen in the rearview mirror of drivers, depending on the location where you are riding. If you cannot see the driver in their driver’s mirror, then they may not see you. To avoid a blindspot accident, allow enough room for vehicles to change lanes or speed up when passing.
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Uneven Roadways
Construction zones and poor road maintenance can be detrimental to motorcyclists and their ability to control their motorcycles. Divots, depressions, indentations, and other road imperfections can cause a severe accident. In this circumstance, it is best to avoid speeding and changing lanes in order to maintain control of your vehicle while moving through traffic.
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Road Debris and Slick Surfaces
Due to a motorcycle’s size and lack of stability, abrupt changes in surfaces such as loose gravel, sand, oils, ice, or other debris may cause a serious accident. It is best to reduce speed when you are expecting road debris in order to avoid losing traction. Braking or accelerating suddenly on these types of surfaces may also cause you to lose control of your motorcycle.
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Side Roads
Side roads may pose a serious hazard risk for motorcyclists due to the incoming traffic that emerges suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere. This may cause a motorcyclist to brake abruptly or collide with the merging vehicle. Swerving out of the way is sometimes unavoidable, but try to ride defensively to avoid colliding with a neighboring car in the other lane.
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Intersections
Intersections are one of the most dangerous hazards for motorcyclists because they may involve multiple hazards as well as reliance on other vehicles abiding by the right-of-way laws. Exercise defensive driving and emergency braking in instances where more than one hazard is present so that you may have ample time to move out of the way in an unsafe situation.
How to Avoid Road Hazards on a Motorcycle
It is possible for motorcyclists to avoid road hazards when sharing the road with other vehicles. The following steps may help you avoid a potential accident with another driver:
- Reducing your speed
- Riding defensively to react more quickly
- Avoiding distractions while riding
- Always be prepared for road and weather conditions
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to experiencing substantial injuries and accidents while on the road. Due to this, it is best to always follow vehicles with enough room to react properly. If you have been in a severe motorcycle accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, speak to a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for an assessment of your claim. We may be able to investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine who caused the hazards that led to your serious injuries.
Speak With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
If you have been substantially injured in a motorcycle accident due to a preventable road hazard caused by another individual’s negligence, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for comprehensive and compassionate representation. We may be able to recover compensation for the significant losses you have experienced.
At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we have over a century of combined experience fighting for victims affected by negligence. We work aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call (866) 924-1787 for a complimentary consultation, or fill out our contact form today.
