Safety experts have long known that motorcycle accidents are far more deadly than other types of motor vehicle accidents, with statistics showing the fatality rate to be 35 times that of other motorists per mile driven. You can never fully protect yourself from the carelessness or inattention of other drivers, but understanding the most frequent causes of car-motorcycle accidents may help you anticipate and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Here are the most common factors leading to motorcycle crashes.
Head-On Accidents
In nearly four of every five (78%) of car-motorcycle collisions, an automobile strikes the bike from the front. Such an impact is deadly, accounting for more than half of the deaths in motorcycle accidents (56%). More than half of those accidents happen when the driver of another motor vehicle makes a left turn into the path of the oncoming motorcyclist. When questioned after such an accident, most motorists contend that they never saw the biker until it was too late.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is an extremely dangerous tactic, where a motorcyclist passes cars or other motorists by riding between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting makes it extremely difficult for a biker to maneuver, and bikers who are lane splitting may not be visible in a driver’s side-view mirror.
Road Hazards
With just two wheels, a motorcycle is generally less stable than a car. Accordingly, when you unexpectedly hit loose gravel, a pothole or detritus on the road, you can easily lose control and crash.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around SF Bay Area who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
