What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
A motorcyclist has an inherently more dangerous job than most other drivers. It’s not just because of the increased risk of falling off, crashing, or colliding with something; it’s also because of the visibility and maneuverability issues that come with riding a smaller, lighter vehicle.
In fact, motorcycles are only about 5% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they account for about 20% of all fatal crashes. So what is the main cause of motorcycle accidents?
While some motorcycle collisions are caused by reckless drivers or other parties involved in the crash, many motorcycle accidents occur because of factors that are out of the rider’s control. Everything from environmental conditions to rider inexperience makes a big difference regarding your safety while on the road.
In light of this information, many people wonder: What is the main cause of Chicago motorcycle accidents? To understand this better, read on for more details.
Distracted Riders and Drivers
In recent years, some studies have shown that driver distraction is a significant factor in many car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distracted driving accounts for up to 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States each year—and this doesn’t just include cell phone use while driving; it also encompasses other distractions like eating or putting on makeup while behind the wheel.
Other vehicles
Other vehicles can also cause motorcycle accidents. Cars and trucks can pull in front of you, turning into your path. Buses can pull out in front of you. Other vehicles can cut you off or turn into your path at intersections.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. It’s important to understand that speeding by a car driver or passenger can be dangerous for both parties involved.
Speeding leads to serious injuries and even death in some cases.
Road Hazards
Road hazards are another major cause of motorcycle accidents.
When a motorcyclist gets into an accident, road hazards can be responsible for severe and minor injuries. Road hazards include potholes and debris on the road, which can cause you to lose control of your bike and fall off it. In some cases, obstacles in the street may cause a motorcycle accident even when you’re not riding at all.
If you see an object that could potentially harm someone driving by or walking along it (like a broken glass bottle), report it immediately to the city government so they can fix it before someone gets hurt.
Lane Splitting
When you’re behind the wheel of a car, and you see a space between two lanes of traffic, you may be tempted to move over into it. But if you’re not careful, this maneuver could lead to an accident.
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist passes between cars on either side of them while driving down the road. It’s often done to save time — if there are no cars behind, they can move ahead more quickly than they would by riding in one lane with everyone else.
Faulty Motorcycle Parts
Faulty motorcycle parts can also cause accidents. Faults in manufacturing or improper maintenance of a bike can lead to faulty motorcycle parts that are unsafe for use on the road. For example, a defective brake may fail to stop the vehicle in time, or a faulty throttle might shut off suddenly while riding. In either case, this can cause an accident that leads to injuries or death. To avoid these situations:
- Scrutinize your motorcycle before every ride — make sure all the parts are functioning properly and replace any broken ones immediately after discovery.
- Do not ride with spare tires removed from the wheels of your bike, as this could reduce traction on slippery surfaces such as wet roads.
Blind Spots
“Blind spots” are dangerous zones that can be caused by other vehicles or by the driver’s own vehicle. These areas aren’t visible to the driver, making it difficult for them to gauge whether there are any hazards in their vicinity.
Left Turns Past Bikers
One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is left turns past bikers. Bikers are often hard to see and even more challenging to hear. These two factors make it very dangerous for drivers making a left turn at a red light or stop sign to pass bikers on the road.
Both the driver and the biker need to be aware at all times that this might happen, and if possible, both should be able to move into another lane before turning so as not to interfere with each other’s progress down the street.
Examples of Injuries From a Motorcycle Crash Chicago Residents Should Know About
The most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident include the following:
- Broken bones, which can consist of ribs, arms, or legs
- Head trauma, including brain injuries and internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) — this type of damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of limb function.
- Burns are another common injury sustained by motorcyclists during an accident; they may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Let Michael J. Brennan Injury and Accident Lawyer Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
It’s scary enough to get into a car crash, but it’s even more terrifying when you’re on a motorcycle. A motorcycle collision could easily result in serious injuries or even turn out to be a fatal motorcycle accident.
Fortunately, there are many legal protections that motorcycle riders enjoy. It’s just that some motorists may be unaware of these rights and privileges, which is why it is essential to consult with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney like Michael J. Brennan if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will have the knowledge and resources to investigate the circumstances of how your accident happened and help you file a personal injury claim against the liable parties.
A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate every aspect of your case and determine exactly how much compensation you might be entitled to receive.
Call us today at 708-578-7914.