Statistics show that motorcycle accidents continue to increase. California reported the highest number of motorcycle accidents in the country. The leading causes include driver negligence, poor road conditions, and reckless driving. The best way to decrease the risk of accidents is for all motorists to practice safe driving.

A Statistical Overview of Motorcycle Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include:

• 30% of motorcycle riders involved in accidents were discovered driving without a license
• Alcohol-impaired drivers caused more crashes than all other causes combined
• People involved in nighttime motorcycle accidents were three times as likely to have consumed alcohol
• States without a mandatory helmet law had 57% of motorcyclist deaths by riders who were not wearing helmets

The studies confirm the top two causes of motorcycle accidents and serious injuries: driving under the influence and driving without a helmet.

If you were involved in a crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the damages and injuries you suffered. You can use this amount to cover all accident-related expenses and build a better future.

Factors Responsible for Motorcycle Accidents

User error is responsible for many motorcycle accidents. Experts have identified operator age, bad roads, and wearing helmets as significant factors in the severity of injuries.

The most common causes of motorcycle injuries include the following situations:

Cars Making Left Turns

It may seem strange, but motorcyclists experience risks when cars make left turns. These types of collisions make up 42% of motorcycle accidents. Many crashes occur when motorcycles try to overtake or pass left-turning vehicles. Paying close attention to all the signs of a car slowing or turning is the best strategy for avoiding these accidents.

Failure of Vehicle Drivers to Detect a Motorcycle

A top cause of motorcycle accidents is visibility. Motorcycles often disappear in blind spots or remain hidden in heavy traffic. Glare and road obstructions also camouflage motorcycles. Experts recommend using your headlights when riding a motorcycle, even during the day. Don’t assume that other drivers automatically detect you on the road.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to bad road conditions like potholes because they have less stability than cars. Loose gravel and broken glass can fly against a driver’s unprotected skin. Potholes or uneven pavement can result in losing control of your motorcycle.

Head-On Collisions

Statistics show that 78% of motorcycle accidents resulting in death are caused by head-on collisions. Motorcycles have a limited footprint head-on, and other motorists often don’t notice an approaching bike. Again, using your headlights makes you more visible to traffic.

Lane Splitting

Trying to drive around a vehicle using half a lane is a frequent cause of motorcycle accidents. Other drivers don’t expect a motorcycle to try to pass them in congested traffic and can be easily caught off-guard.

Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Alcohol Use

The leading causes of traffic accidents include reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. These accidents can be avoided by practicing safe driving. Furthermore, you should not drive any vehicle while intoxicated. Instead, ask a sober friend for a ride home or call a ridesharing service.

Turning Corners

Turning corners on motorcycles can result in stability problems, wipeouts, and losing vehicle control. Motorcycles are engineered to turn safely, but you can still lose control when speeding or hitting debris when making a sharp turn.

Practice Safe Riding

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by hazards, reckless driving, and inadvertent or deliberate driver error. Remember that not wearing a helmet, riding on a hazardous road, or driving without caution is dangerous for motorists of all ages. Driving with your headlights turned on considerably reduces accident risks.

Hiring a Motorcycle Lawyer

Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney is the safest strategy after experiencing a motorcycle accident. The lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries and fight against your being held liable for the accident.

About the author: Crystal A. Davis

How does one combine a passion for journalism with a strong sense of justice? For Crystal, the choice was simple: legal journalism. Born and raised in a family of attorneys but wanting to approach the law from an investigative angle, Crystal decided that people would not hear her voice in the court, but online, in magazines, journals, and other platforms. When she is not studying active lawsuits closely to report on them, she writes public-friendly articles