While motorcycle collisions may not be the prevailing occurrence among motor vehicle accidents, they tend to result in considerably more severe injuries compared to other types of accidents. Numerous factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, with a significant portion attributable to driver negligence. Negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, failure to comply with right-of-way laws, and similar actions are commonly associated with these incidents.
If you have suffered substantial injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney today for an assessment of your injury claim. You may be able to recover compensation for the losses you have endured due to the negligence and wrongdoing of another.
5 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most recent NHTSA reports show that in 2021, a total of 5,932 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. This marks the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since data collection began in 1975 by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Compared to the previous year, motorcyclist fatalities saw an increase of 8 percent, rising from 5,506 in 2020 to 5,932 in 2021. Additionally, an estimated 82,686 motorcyclists were injured in 2021, reflecting a 5-percent increase from the 78,944 injuries recorded in 2020.
When examining the fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled, the rate for motorcyclists stood at 30.20, nearly 24 times higher than the rate for passenger car occupants, which was 1.26.
The following are five causes of motorcycle accidents:
1. Left-Turning Vehicle Accident
One of the most common collisions occurs due to a motor vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle, often occurring in busy intersections. Typical reasons for left-turn accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Low visibility
- Speeding
Right-of-way laws regarding left-hand turns are clear; drivers turning left must yield to any oncoming traffic. In this type of accident, drivers are most often at-fault due to negligence. Failure to yield right-of-way accounted for more than 7% of all fatal collisions in 2021. If you have experienced an accident due to a negligent driver making a left turn, speak to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for an assessment of your claim.
2. Unexpected Road Hazards
Unexpected road hazards such as loose gravel, uneven road surfaces, and railway tracks are large contributors to motorcycle accidents due to motorcycles’ instability and small size. It is in your best interest to abide by the speed limit and stay vigilant while riding to avoid accidents and maintain control of the bike.
3. Blind-Spot Accidents
Staying out of a vehicle’s blind spot areas is the best way to avoid a blind spot accident. The most effective way to check if you are in a safe location is to see if you can see the driver in the driver’s side mirror. If a car switches lanes while you are stuck in its blind spot, you may be cut off, causing a dangerous situation. Staying in a vehicle’s blind spot also increases the chance of an accident.
4. Collisions
Motorcycles are more susceptible to fatal accidents due to their lack of protection from metal framing and airbags in the event of a collision. Angled collisions and head-on collisions accounted for more than 28% of all fatalities in 2021. Collisions are more dangerous when striking a motorcycle due to the monumental weight and speed at which they are hit by a vehicle.
5. Unsafe Behavior
Alcohol use, speeding, and not wearing safety gear are contributing factors to fatal motorcycle accidents. Speeding accounted for 19% of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2021, the use of alcohol or drugs accounted for 11.2%, and helmets are seen to have saved over 1,800. Additionally, it is estimated that for every 100 motorcyclists killed in collisions while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had they opted to wear a helmet.
Steps to Take if You Experience a Motorcycle Accident
There are essential steps to take following a motorcycle accident for your safety and to help your motorcycle accident claim later down the road. Your first priority should always be your safety and the safety of others. The following are steps to consider following a motorcycle accident:
- Call 911, even if you don’t think you need emergency medical attention
- A responding officer will prepare a police report, where you can explain what caused the accident
- Gather other types of evidence from the accident scene, including photos, videos, interview witnesses, obtain driver information, and other relevant details
- Always get a medical evaluation following an accident in the case of latent injuries
- Speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for legal guidance.
At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we can skillfully negotiate on your behalf, conduct an investigation into your accident, and obtain valuable evidence needed for a successful claim. We fight for the fair compensation you deserve for the losses you sustained due to a negligent driver.
Speak to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
If you have suffered substantial injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence, speak to a professional motorcycle accident lawyer for a complimentary assessment of your claim. You may be able to recover fair compensation for the losses you have endured, such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, property damages, and other expenses related to the accident. We help you every step of the way and fight aggressively for the justice you deserve.
At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we offer comprehensive and dedicated legal representation with over a century of combined experience. Call us today at (866) 924-1787 for a complimentary consultation, or fill out our contact form.
