Motorcycle accidents account for a significant number of car crashes that occur daily across America. Because motorcycles protect the rider less than a car protects its driver, the chances of being seriously injured or even killed if you are involved in a motorcycle accident are drastically increased. However, knowing what factors increase the risk of being involved in an accident can help you operate a motorcycle properly and reduce the chance of getting hurt.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
Here are the five most common causes of motorcycle crashes.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is the practice of straddling two lanes of slow or stopped traffic to get through it more quickly. Many motorcyclists take advantage of the smaller frame of their vehicles and weave between traffic. This is an extremely dangerous practice because most cars do not expect motorcycles to fly past them when they are stuck in traffic. It also gives motorcycles less room to maneuver around obstacles. Because it is such a dangerous feat, this practice is illegal in Florida.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents. Because motorcycles are lighter than other vehicles, they can travel much faster. Sport and supersport models can even reach a speed of up to 160 miles per hour. At such a high rate of speed, motorcyclists have a shorter window of time to react when hazards or obstacles appear. Drivers of other vehicles often do not see motorcyclists due to blind spots, and if a car changes lanes ahead of a speeding motorcyclist, the rider may not be able to avoid a collision.
Road Hazards
There is a vast variety of road hazards that could affect how a motorcycle operates. From slick streets to road obstructions, many things could cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. The smaller, lighter frame of the vehicle means riders have less protection in the event of a crash. Therefore, motorcyclists need to take the proper precautions and try to avoid the following hazards:
- Wet roads
- Animals
- Fallen trees or limbs
- Potholes
- Crumbling or uneven pavement
- Left Turns
Motorcycle accidents involving left turns are often serious crashes. Whether another vehicle turns into the motorcycle or the smaller vehicle is at fault, the lack of protection offered to riders by motorcycles leads to more substantial injuries. This type of accident most often occurs when the motorcyclist is attempting to overtake the other vehicle or traveling straight through an intersection. To reduce the risk of this happening, motorcyclists should be wary about passing other vehicles near a turn because the driver may not always see the rider due to blind spots.
Alcohol Use
In Florida, it is illegal to operate any type of vehicle if you have a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08%. Alcohol is known to impair the senses and make drivers less aware of road hazards, speed limits, and other traffic. It also increases the chance of drivers losing control of their vehicles. This is dangerous in any type of automobile, but because motorcycles offer no protection for the rider, they are more likely to sustain severe injuries. Single-vehicle accidents with fixed objects are extremely likely to result in injury, while head-on collisions with other vehicles are the leading cause of motorcycle-related death.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Florida
If you have been involved in a collision, it is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Miami or Fort Lauderdale who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers at Cecere Santana have the knowledge and experience you need to win your case. If you have been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, trust us to provide you with the legal aid you need. Contact us today to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida.
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