Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists often receive an unfair public reputation for speeding, splitting lanes, and driving recklessly. However, most motorcycle riders obey all traffic laws and very few riders engage in behavior that would compromise or endanger other drivers. In fact, motorcycle accidents are rarely the fault of the biker—but of negligent automobile drivers. These types of accidents happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding: accidents that occur because of speeding tend to have more devastating outcomes than when both motorists are obeying the limits. When speed is a factor in motorcycle accidents, it usually means that a motorcyclist will be ejected from their seat, resulting in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
• Drunk driving: driving under the influence is one of the most reckless decisions a motorist can make. Alcohol and drugs impair the driver’s ability to make rational, safe decisions, often leading to serious injury.
• Negligence: negligence is any action that is deemed careless or willfully reckless. Whether failing to stop at a red light, driving too fast in inclement weather, or not observing or giving ample space to accommodate a motorcycle—all drivers have a responsibility to avoid negligence at all costs.
• Disobeying road signs: traffic signals, including lights, signs, and markers, all determine when drivers can safely proceed along a roadway, and when they must stop. Failure to abide by these signs and signals can mean the difference between life and death.
• Road Rage: though a particularly frequent element in California, anger while driving is common and can occur anywhere, under any type of circumstance. If a driver displayed or exhibited aggressive tendencies just before your accident, this can be used as an example of road rage and factored into your case.
• Lane-splitting: California is one of the few states that allows for lane-splitting. Lane-splitting is a dangerous driving method in which motorcyclists can drive along lane dividers between slow or stopped traffic. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings—even if you are in a traffic jam.

How can a Motorcycle Injury Attorney help?

Many motorcyclists who are seriously injured in accidents do not reach out to a lawyer. Some assume that their case will not yield results, while others feel reluctant to pursue a judgment based on the often-held negative views some Americans have of motorcyclists. The truth is that a motorcycle accident case can help you obtain the compensation you need in order to both physically and financially recover from your accident.

Hiring a lawyer to put together a case means that you can hand all responsibilities over to someone with relevant experience and knowledge, allowing you to focus on your own recovery. It also ensures that you have a greater chance of receiving the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, your case may be resolved simply through standard insurance claim practices. If not, you may benefit from working with a personal injury attorney. In cases where a settlement does not cover the full cost of your expenses—including injury or death—you should reach out to the professional team at EFS Law Center for a free consultation.