An overwhelming majority of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision between a motorcycle and a car. In many of these accidents, it is motorist error or negligence that is the cause of the crash. There are several ways in which drivers may be reckless or careless, contributing to a motorcycle accident.
Motorist error contributes to an inordinate number of motorcycle accidents every year. There are several forms of driver negligence that can place motorcyclists at risk. Primary among them are the following.
Speeding
A motorist who is driving at excessive speeds is less likely to spot a motorcyclist in time to avoid an accident. A significant majority of all collisions between a motorcycle and car involve speeding motorists.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are a major threat to motorcyclists. A driver, who is talking on his cell phone, talking to passengers in his car, or otherwise preoccupied, is less likely to spot a motorcyclist in time. Motorcycles are v
ery easy to miss because of the narrow frame of the vehicle, and a driver needs to stay focused to look out for these vehicles. A distracted motorist is not likely to look out for motorcyclists at all.
Driving under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also make a motorist susceptible to severe driving errors that increase the risk of a collision with a motorcyclist. Alcohol can impair your ability to judge other vehicles’ speed, and distance. Additionally, alcohol delays your responses and slows down your reflexes, which can prove catastrophic when you are riding around on a motorcycle. For help understanding whether the motorist involved in your accident was negligent in causing your injuries, speak to an attorney.
Tailgating
Motorists must maintain a distance of at least two car lengths between their vehicle and the motorcycle in front. A bike can come to a stop much quicker than a car can after applying the brakes. That means that when the motorcyclist brakes, the motorist is at a high risk of hitting the motorcycle from behind, with possibly serious consequences for the motorcyclist.
Failure to Look out for a Motorcyclist
Failure to look out for motorcyclists near intersections, while turning corners, or in other potentially risky situations is also a serious driving error that can cause a motorcycle accident. Look out for motorcyclists in your rearview mirrors and your blind spots.
The motorcycling population on our streets is on the increase, and there are more motorcyclists now than they were a decade ago. Therefore, there is no excuse for motorists to neglect looking out for motorcyclists sharing the roads with them.
For help determining liability in your motorcycle accident, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer.
