Almost 10% of households in America have a motorcycle registered and parked at the residence. The number of motorcyclists and new riders going through motorcyclist training has been increasing steadily through the years and shows no signs of stopping. Feeling the wind on your skin and the freedom of the wide-open road is a thrill.
If you're thinking about joining the motorcyclists in experiencing this, you should have the contact information for a motorcycle accident lawyer handy. You should also consider taking an official California motorcyclist training course and learn fundamental skills required before you put your street riding skills to the test. Maintaining good tire pressure, wearing a full face helmet, and avoiding slick roads are just a few practices to keep you safe on the road. We'll discuss the 7 common motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them. This way you're better prepared to enjoy your time on the bike, while exercising motorcycle safety.
1. Cars turning left
Motorcycle crashes often involve another vehicle. Forty-two percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve passenger cars turning left. Motorcycles are often located in a driver’s blind spot when on the left. Motorcyclists can be here for many reasons. Often it's to overtake a vehicle or continue going straight while the car turns.
These kinds of collisions are extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders. The best way to avoid them is to ride defensively and anticipate the other drivers’ next moves all the time. In intersections, avoid riding on the left of moving vehicles or other motorists.
If you, or a motorcycle rider you know, have been involved in a motorcycle accident like this, contact us today. We have a team of dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys to help.
2. Rear-End Collision
Think motorcycle accidents only occur while moving? Think again! Even experienced riders with plenty of street riding experience that are stopped at stop signs, intersections, crosswalks, and in stop-and-go traffic are often hit from behind by other vehicles. This is dangerous for motorcycle riders as they can be thrown off the motorcycle.
Avoiding common motorcycle crashes like these requires attention, awareness, and defensive driving skills. When pulling up to a situation where you’ll stop, always be sure to check the rearview mirrors. If the vehicle behind you doesn’t seem to be slowing down, riders are able to move off the road or to the side to avoid a collision.
3. Excessive Speed
Speeding is dangerous enough in an enclosed vehicle with four wheels. Some of the most common and fatal accidents occur because riders engage in excessive speeds. Ignoring the dangers that riding over the speed limit brings is reckless and can catch the attention of California highway patrol.
Riders can say that speed brings on the thrill of freedom. With a motorcycle on the wide-open road, feeling the wind against your skin, the thrill of freedom can be achieved at safe speeds while practicing rider safety. This is the best way to avoid dangerous motorcycle crashes.
4. Lane Splitting
Lane splitting refers to when motorcycles ride in between two cars. They can share the lane with cars or ride along the dotted line. This usually occurs during times of heavy traffic congestion or at traffic lights. The best way to avoid common motorcycle crashes like this is to not do it altogether.
Lane splitting is currently illegal in every state except California. It’s a potentially dangerous way to ride so it should be avoided. Many drivers do not see motorcycles when they lane split, let alone hear them coming. It’s an accident just waiting to happen.
Lane splitting accidents can vary from minor things like hitting side-view mirrors to more serious injuries and fatal accidents. Given the complexities of lane splitting, it's best to hire a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer should it happen to you.
5. Lane-Switching
When vehicles are switching lanes, accidents are common. This is true for both cars and motorcycles. These kinds of motorcycle crashes are very dangerous. They often occur at higher speeds and motorcycles lack impact protection.
A way to avoid these accidents is by using signal indicators, honking, or creating noise to alert the driver you are in the lane. However, drivers are often listening to music loudly or have noise canceling systems inside the car, which makes it difficult to hear these alerts.
Make sure you can see the mirrors of the vehicle. This increases the chances that the driver can see you. Always be alert to signs the driver will try to change lanes as well.
6. Open Door Collision
Riding a motorcycle by a lane of parked vehicles may be unavoidable in busy streets or cities. In these zones, parked drivers exiting the vehicle may open the door without checking for traffic. Colliding with doors opening, or dooring is a common motorcycle crash even with those with plenty of street riding experience.
Avoid riding in these areas to prevent this from occurring. If it is unavoidable, try to make your presence known by lightly honking your horn or revving the engine. Parked vehicles are less likely to have loud music playing. Because of this, they’re more likely to hear external sounds and alerts.
7. Riding While Intoxicated
Almost half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol. Any motorcyclist training course would tell you that having a single drink already impairs awareness and some brain activity. Operating any motor vehicle after drinking is risky and compromises rider safety.
Riding while intoxicated is even more dangerous because even with the appropriate gear the rider has limited physical protection. Motorcycle riders need to be present, alert, and engaged while riding. That is heavily impacted when even one alcoholic drink is introduced.
Avoiding this common motorcycle crash is easy. Don’t drink and ride. If you are out and have a drink, make sure to give yourself plenty of time following that drink. Stick around where you’re at for a while until your body has processed your drink and you’re ready to ride.
Should you, or anyone you know, be involved in a motorcycle crash involving alcohol, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. Driving or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated is a crime with a high percentage of fatal crashes.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
There are many great things to experience while riding a motorcycle. Being aware of the 7 common motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them is great for practicing defensive driving and motorcycle safety out on the road. We strongly encourage successful completion of any motorcycle safety course you may take as well as following the national highway traffic safety guidelines for motorcycle safety.
Should any of these, or any other motorcycle accident occur, contact us today. While we may not have had motorcycle training, experienced taking off on two wheels, and felt the roar of the motorcycle engine. We do have training on how to deal with the insurance company. We have experienced what it’s like to go through legal hoops. We know what it feels like to have a proven track record of success with motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and many other settlements.