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Who is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents occur the same amount as car accidents but are more likely to result in serious injury or death. Because of this, it is more difficult to get good motorcycle insurance, and more important than ever to protect yourself on the road. Per mile traveled in 2006, there were 35  more deaths from motorcycle accidents than from car accidents. If you get into a motorcycle accident then you must consider having a lawyer on standby to protect yourself.

Head-On Collisions

When it comes to head-on collisions, crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for 56% of motorcycle accident deaths. 78% of the time these strike a motorcycle from the front. Only 5% of the time the car strikes the motorcycle from the rear. Typically it is fatal only to the motorcyclist which is extremely dangerous.

Left-Hand Turns

Motorcyclists are in disproportionately more danger when it comes to left-hand turns. Around 42% of accidents involving a motorcycle and car occur in this fashion. Typically, this is because the car hits the motorcycle while going through an intersection, while the motorcycle is passing a car, or trying to overtake the car.

Although these also commonly happen with two cars, the issue is that the motorcycle is small and, therefore, in more danger. Sometimes a motorcycle may pass a car in the same lane which is even more dangerous. In this situation, it is hard to determine whether or not this is the car or the motorcycle’s fault.

If a vehicle hits the motorcycle then it is often found at fault, but if the motorcycle is speeding then it may be considered a different issue. In some states, the motorcyclist’s behavior could bar recovery altogether.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle goes between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. This is not legal in many states, but in California, it is a legal way to drive.  The reason an accident occurs in this situation is that a motorcyclist will be close to the cars, there is less space to maneuver, and the cars may not anticipate the motorcyclist.

If there is an accident while lane splitting has occurred, it is always something that goes to court. In this case, you will want to contact a lawyer to help you plead your case. Although California has legal laws defining lane splitting, other states simply do not have it defined. This means that many factors can contribute to who is considered at fault.

Motorcycles and Fixed Objects

Motorcycles colliding with fixed objects happens in 25% of motorcycle deaths which is quite a lot compared to 18% of car crash deaths. This is because there is less room for space and another reason why accidents are more deadly on a motorcycle. Typically, this is always the fault of the motorcyclist.

Getting Help After a Motorcycle Accident

If you need help to find a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, contact us today. You must find the protection to defend yourself and get what you deserve.