Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The weather is gorgeous and it’s time to take the bike out for a ride. But before you do, make sure to watch out for these common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Car Turns Left, Doesn’t See Motorcyclist

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is a motorist that is making a left turn failing to see an oncoming motorcycle. It sounds like a pretty easy scenario to avoid, but unfortunately, these accidents account for around 25% of all motorcycle accidents.

As a motorcyclist, you can avoid getting caught in this situation by monitoring intersections as you come to them. Keep a lookout for cars that may not be able to see you because of poor visibility, blind spots, too many palm trees, or light posts.

Anticipate the actions of other vehicles and be prepared to slow down, stop, or swerve if you have reason to believe they don’t see you and will attempt to make a left turn through your lane.

Gravel & Other Road Hazards

Gravel, potholes, and oil slicks, oh my! For a motorcyclist, these things are nothing but trouble. Even if you have great tires, you’d do well to avoid these trouble spots. If you’re moving too fast and hit some loose gravel or an oil slick on a turn, there’s a chance you could spin out.

Keep an eye out for these hazards and stay attentive. Make sure you can easily see ahead of you and slow down in questionable conditions.

Car Cuts You Off, Now What?

It’s happened plenty of times—someone merges in front of you and they’re going slower than you are. And it’s an accident just waiting to happen.

Yes, the other driver should’ve taken account of your speed before getting into your lane, but instead of getting angry and throwing up a few gestures to share your discontent, slow down and move to whichever side of the lane feels safest. If they are merging from the left, you may want to move to the right and vice versa. You want to eliminate any chance of you rear ending them if they slow down further or stop. Once you have that handled, keep an eye out for any other moves they make.

I’m Melting! Riding in the Rain

Slick roads and poor visibility are a challenge for motorcyclists and motorists alike. While the rain isn’t going to affect your ability to steer or control your bike, it will affect how the bike handles the road. It may also affect whether cars can see you or not.

Make sure to have your lights on and drive the speed limit (or slower for those torrential Florida rains). Drive defensively, meaning be aware of your surroundings. A car may not be able to see you, but you can see it and can maneuver accordingly.

DUI

A 2010 Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report on motorcycles states that 37% of the fatal motorcycle accidents in 2009 involved alcohol. This type of accident is amazingly easy to avoid: don’t drink and drive.

Drinking impairs your vision, reflexes, and thought processes. When you’re riding a motorcycle, your reaction time is important. You must be aware of your surroundings and drive accordingly. Drinking before getting on a motorcycle increases your chances of an accident.

Don’t be another statistic—never ride while drunk.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? A Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, make sure to seek legal help from a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer immediately to ensure you receive the benefits or compensation you deserve.

A motorcycle accident can change your life, leaving you with unpaid medical bills and loss of work. If an insurer is failing to pay what they owe you, or if you feel the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, consulting with a Tampa personal injury lawyer can help you decide whether to move forward with a civil case.

A skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer not only understands the law as it applies to motorists, but also appreciates the difficulties motorcyclists face on the roads. They can help you maneuver through the legal system to help cover your medical care and any future care you may need.