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What is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents?
Practicing safe motorcycle riding habits, as well as reading up on common risks for motorcycle riders, can help protect you on the road. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to get assistance from a Denver motorcycle accident attorney if you are in an accident.
Collisions
When it comes to collisions, including head-on collisions and collisions with fixed objects, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Motorcycles have less safety features than other types of vehicles and are lighter than an average car, leaving drivers less protected.
Head-on Collisions: One of the most dangerous types of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions accounted for over half of fatal motorcycle accidents listed in a 2019 NHTSA report. Only around 7% of these head-on collisions were rear-ended, with most of them occurring from the front end. This amount of disproportionate force between a motorcycle and another vehicle is extremely dangerous, often resulting in severe personal injury or death.
Collisions with Fixed Objects: Compared to other vehicles, motorcycle collisions with a fixed object like a tree, guard rail, or fence are more likely to result in injury or death, as well. Fatal motorcycle accidents with fixed objects are also more likely to occur during storms or when visibility is low than in other vehicles.
Left-Hand Turns from Other Vehicles
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are caused by cars making left-hand turns at intersections. Motorcyclists passing through intersections are sometimes not seen by other vehicle drivers. This could be because of driver distraction, speeding, or low visibility. When it comes to right-of-way laws for left-hand turns, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. If a motorcyclist is involved in a left-hand turn accident, they can seek full compensation for their claim with a motorcycle accident attorney.
Lane Splitting
Lane-splitting accidents occur when a motorcyclist weaves between slowly moving or stopped traffic. When other drivers on the road aren’t aware of the motorcycle’s presence, they give less room for both vehicles to make stops, turns, and maneuvers. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, as it poses a danger to both the motorcycle rider and other drivers on the road.
Other Road Hazards
Other common causes for motorcycle accidents include road hazards like undeveloped roads, uneven road surface, rocks, animals, or other debris on highways, construction materials, and railway tracks. Motorcyclists can lose their stability quickly, causing them to spin out and crash. Keeping a watchful eye out for road debris, objects, and other hazards – especially in foul weather – can be the difference between life and death.
It’s important to understand your rights when it comes to a motorcycle accident. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a skilled Denver motorcycle accident lawyer at Lampert & Walsh.