According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 1,650 motorcycle accidents across the state in 2014. Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in an accident and five times more likely to be injured. If you or a family member have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 to discuss your legal rights with one of our experienced Alabama motorcycle accident lawyers.
With the number of motorcycles on U.S. highways increasing to 8.6 million in 2015, it is essential for riders and passenger car drivers to know how to share the road safely. While everyone has a responsibility to operate their vehicle or motorcycle in a safe and responsible manner, motorists must appreciate the particular risks and safety challenges faced by riders. By understanding the most common motorcycle accident causes, drivers and riders alike can decrease the likelihood of a crash.
10 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The biggest safety challenges regarding motorcycles are size, visibility, and lack of crashworthiness. Motorcycles can become hidden in driver’s blind spots and their smaller size can make it difficult for motorists to just their distance and speed. In addition, adverse road conditions and inclement weather may be annoying for motorists, but present major dangers to motorcycle riders and passengers.
Below are the 10 most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
-
Passenger vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle – according to the NHTSA, nearly 40 percent of motorcycle accidents were caused by a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcyclist
-
Losing control of motorcycle due to gravel, potholes, wet or slippery pavement, or other types of poor roadway conditions
-
Entering a corner or turn too fast
-
Car changes lanes or merges into a motorcycle
-
Being rear-ended by a car
-
Car door is opened into a motorcycle’s path
-
Riding under the influence of alcohol – according to the NHTSA, 43 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2014 were impaired by alcohol
-
Failure to yield right of way to motorcyclist
-
Failure of motorists to detect or recognize motorcycles in traffic
-
Lane-splitting
How Riders and Passenger Car Drivers Can Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
There are precautions both riders and motorists can take to help prevent accidents. Those include:
- Regularly inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and motorcycles
- Riding in the middle of the lane will increase motorcycle visibility to other drivers
- Motorcycle riders and passengers should always wear proper protective gear and a helmet
- Always signal before turning, changing lanes, or merging with traffic
- Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before entering or leaving a lane and at intersections
- Allow for increased following distance when you are behind a motorcycle
How Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., our motorcycle accident lawyers have more than 65 years of collective trial experience representing individuals injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others. With offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our motorcycle accident lawyers will travel to the location most convenient to you. Call our Alabama law firm today at (205) 933-1500 to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you fight for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
