Most people agree that motorcycles are a more dangerous mode of transportation than cars or SUVs, but why are they so dangerous? The U.S. Federal Highway Administration recently conducted a Motorcycle Crash Causation Study, listing the top causes of non-fatal and fatal motorcycle accidents. Understanding how accidents happen can help motorcycle operators avoid them.
However, despite the best care, a motorcycle rider still runs a risk of being injured through no fault of their own. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle collision, our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The leading cause of motorcycle collisions
The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is that other drivers simply didn’t see the bike. Motorcycles have a slimmer profile than other types of motor vehicles, making them harder to see, especially at night or in inclement weather. Drivers who aren’t paying attention or who fail to check their blind spot can easily miss a motorcyclist, especially on the highway.
This is just one primary cause, though. Others follow:
Driving and biking under the influence
It should go without saying that you should never operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but unfortunately, too many people disregard this simple safety tip. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes half of all single-vehicle motorcycle accidents to alcohol use.
DWI plays a large role in multi-vehicle accidents involving a bike, too. Drunk or high drivers may hit a motorcyclist. Alcohol and drugs, even prescription drugs, dull the senses and diminish reaction time, increasing the chance of an accident. Additionally, alcohol and drugs also increase the chances of risky behavior, like speeding or reckless driving.
Speeding
You don’t have to be under the influence to exceed the speed limit. It happens every day, and you probably did it this week. However, speed limits are set for safety, to reduce the chances of losing control of the vehicle, and to give drivers enough time to prevent an accident when other cars make sudden stops.
It’s tempting to speed on your bike, especially on a gorgeous day riding along a twisting road. But it’s also dangerous. If another driver makes an unpredicted move, like changing lanes without signaling, you may not have time to react and avoid the crash.
Inexperience, recklessness, and lack of training
Learning how to ride a motorcycle safely includes not just operating the vehicle but also how to crash it safely. Although Colorado does not require a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) class for M-class licensed drivers over 18, the DOT does stress how important proper training classes are for bikers. Note that in Colorado, basic and advanced MOST courses are offered so you can better hone your skills.
Uncertainty on a motorcycle can make it harder to avoid a crash, more difficult to identify possible dangers, and result in more serious injuries in a wreck (many classes teach you how to lay the bike down to reduce serious injury).
Reckless driving, like speeding and lane splitting, increases your chance of a wreck. And road tricks and the like increase the chances of injury even more.
Distractions
A few seconds of inattention from a motorcyclist or other vehicle driver can lead to a deadly accident. Looking at your phone while driving, daydreaming, queuing up a playlist, or trying to eat or drink are common distractions but should be avoided by anyone operating a vehicle on Denver roads.
Get legal help after a motorcycle accident
Have you been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by a careless driver, blind spot accident, or sudden stop? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t navigate the complex world of personal injury cases alone.
Contact Zara Injury Law today at (866) 823-8288 for a free consultation with experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.