Know What Can Cause Motorcycle Accidents
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Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and sometimes fatalities. Although measures have been taken by the authorities in Phoenix and other big cities to improve road safety, motorcyclists are still in peril from careless drivers and dangerous road conditions.
Recovering damages for the victims of motorcycle accidents in Phoenix, for example, can become a complex legal battle. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix is crucial for those seeking fair compensation. These legal professionals establish liability, gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation.
Educating motorcyclists about some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help avoid accidents.
Failure to Yield to Motorcycles
Not yielding the right-of-way is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Drivers often do not spot motorcycles due to their small size, resulting in fatal collisions at intersections or when changing lanes. This mistake is particularly dangerous during heavy traffic hours or while making left turns or corner-turning on an oncoming motorcycle.
Distracted Driving
Driving while using smartphones, laptops, or in-car entertainment systems has become a major cause of accidents. An individual who is texting, adjusting the GPS, or being preoccupied with something else will not note the approaching motorcyclist, resulting in devastating collisions.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes, is a contentious topic. Although some states do not consider it illegal, it is risky as the motorcyclists are close to the larger vehicles. The slightest movement by the distracted driver can cause a serious accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding can result in reduced reaction time and increased severity of crashes. High-speed collisions result in life-threatening injuries, irrespective of whether it is a motorcyclist or another vehicle traveling.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains the foremost factor in many accidents. Substance abuse results in impaired judgment and reduced reaction times, resulting in accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions like uneven pavement, potholes and debris also pose risks to motorcyclists when compared to larger vehicles. Motorcycles lack stability and are highly prone to losing control from hazardous road conditions.
Sudden Stops
Sudden stops cause deadly collisions for motorcyclists as they are not equipped with any safety harness or seat belts, and are likely to be thrown into the oncoming traffic.
Inexperience
Inexperience riding or lack of familiarity with a road are additional reasons for accidents. Some riders hop on their bikes with very little understanding or experience with the motorcycle or route.
Weather
Weather can cause accidents, and planning your commute to counter that would help in reducing the risks from reduced visibility, decreased road grip or icy roads.
Motorcycle Safety Measures
Precautions motorcyclists can take to prevent or reduce accidents are:
- Protective Gears: Wearing helmets, gloves, jackets and protective pants helps reduce the severity of injuries in accidents.
- Defensive Riding: Vigilant riders anticipate potential hazards such as a lack of visibility and drive correspondingly.
- Following Traffic Laws: Following speed limits, using signals, and avoiding aggressive driving can help avoid collisions.
- Using Reflective Clothing and Headlights: Enhanced visibility helps reduce the risk of being unnoticed.
Legal Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcyclists are entitled to compensation from accidents where they are not at fault, such as medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and numerous other losses. A motorcycle accident claim helps victims recover damages and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Understanding the underlying causes of the accident and being proactive in taking measures can help motorcyclists and other drivers reduce accidents and create a safe road for everyone.
The post Failing to Yield and Other Reasons Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.