Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents: How to Stay Safe on the Road

No one expects to be in a motorcycle accident, but they do happen. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 14% of road traffic fatalities were from motorcycle accidents in 2019. 

If you are a motorcyclist, it is important to be aware of the most common causes of these accidents so that you can stay safe on the road. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how you can avoid them.

There are three main types of motorcycle accidents: single-vehicle accidents, multiple-vehicle accidents, and hit-and-run accidents. 

  • Single-vehicle accidents are typically caused by weather conditions or road hazards. 
  • Multiple-vehicle accidents are usually caused by another driver’s negligence.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can be anything from looking at your phone to fiddling with your radio. When you are on a motorcycle, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to keep your focus on the road. If you are distracted, you are more likely to miss something important and could end up in an accident.

Speeding

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Speeding is especially dangerous on a motorcycle because it gives you less time to react if something unexpected happens. It also makes it more difficult to control your bike, which increases the risk of an accident. If you are going to be speeding, make sure that you are extra vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When you are drunk, your reflexes are slowed and your judgment is impaired. This can make it difficult to operate a motorcycle safely and increases the risk of an accident. If you are going to be drinking, make sure that you have a designated driver or that you take public transportation.

Road Conditions

Road conditions are often cited as a contributing factor in motorcycle accidents. Poor weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can make it more difficult to see and to control your motorcycle. Potholes and other obstacles in the road can also cause an accident. If you are going to be riding in poor conditions, make sure that you take extra care and go slowly.

Wearing the Right Gear

One of the best ways to stay safe on a motorcycle is to wear the right gear. This includes a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing. Wearing the right gear will help to protect you if you are in an accident and can help to prevent serious injuries.

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is often because the driver did not see you or misjudged your speed. To avoid this type of accident, make sure that you are always aware of cars around you and that you use your horn to signal your presence.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic. This can be dangerous because it increases the risk of being hit by a car. If you are going to be lane splitting, make sure that you do it carefully and watch for other vehicles.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

Now that we have discussed some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, let’s talk about how you can avoid them. The best way to avoid an accident is to be aware of your surroundings and to always ride defensively. Here are some other tips that can help you stay safe on the road:

  • Obey the speed limit and never speeding.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Always wear a helmet and proper safety gear.
  • Be extra cautious when riding in poor weather conditions.
  • Watch for cars making left turns at intersections.
  • Use your horn to signal your presence to other drivers.
  • Avoid lane splitting whenever possible.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Remember, accidents can happen to anyone at anytime, so it is always important to be prepared and to ride defensively.

Step to Take If You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you’re getting the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries which can be used later if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Get Contact Information of Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to your accident, be sure to get their contact information. These individuals can provide valuable testimony if you decide to file a personal injury claim or take legal action against the at-fault driver.

Get Insurance Details of Persons and Vehicles involved in the Accident

After you’ve taken care of your injuries and gathered witnesses’ information, the next step is to get the insurance details of everyone involved in the accident. This includes the at-fault driver, any passengers in their vehicle, and any other drivers who may have been involved. You’ll need this information when filing a claim with your own insurance company or taking legal action against another driver.

Details of Your Injuries and Damage on Your Motorbike and Any other Property

The last step is to gather evidence of your injuries and damage to your motorcycle or any other property. This can include photos of your injuries, medical bills, repair estimates, and anything else that will help document the damages you’ve suffered. This evidence will be essential if you decide to file a personal injury claim or take legal action against the at-fault driver.

A Copy of a Police Report If One Was Made

If a police report was made, be sure to get a copy of it. This will contain valuable information about the accident, including the at-fault driver’s insurance information and any traffic violations they may have committed. The police report can also be used as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim or take legal action against the at-fault driver.

Get a Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, one of the best things you can do is get a lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and protect your rights. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

How to Deal with Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents

Hit and run accidents are unfortunately all too common, but there are steps you can take to try and find the at-fault driver.

Take as Much Information as You Can

If you’re the victim of a hit and run, try to get as much information about the other driver as you can. This includes their license plate number, make and model of their vehicle, and any other identifying information.

File a Police Report

The next step is to file a police report. This will document the accident and start an investigation into finding the at-fault driver.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. Your insurance company may have resources available to help find the at-fault driver.

Seek Information from Third parties

First, check for any surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident. You can also check with local businesses or residents to see if anyone saw the accident or has any information about the at-fault driver.

If you’re unable to find the at-fault driver, your own insurance company should cover your damages. However, it’s important to note that you may have a higher deductible if the at-fault driver is not found.

How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you decide to file a motorcycle accident claim, there are a few things you’ll need to do.

First, you’ll need to gather evidence of your injuries and damages. This can include photos of your injuries, medical bills, repair estimates, and anything else that will help document the damages you’ve suffered.

You’ll also need to get the insurance details of everyone involved in the accident. This includes the at-fault driver, any passengers in their vehicle, and any other drivers who may have been involved.

The last step is to file a claim with your own insurance company or take legal action against another driver. This can be a complicated process, so it’s important to have all the evidence and information you need before taking any action.

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

The average motorcycle accident claim is worth $20,000 to $30,000. However, depending on the severity of the injuries and damages, claims can be worth much more. If you were involved in a serious motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Settlement in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Most motorcycle accident claims are settled out of court. This means that the insurance company for the at-fault driver will pay you an agreed-upon amount of money to settle the claim. Settling out of court is often quicker and cheaper than going to trial, so it’s usually in everyone’s best interest to settle the claim. 

Did You Know?

The number of motorcycle fatalities has been increasing since 2000. In 2017, there were over 5000 motorcycle deaths in the United States.

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, not by the motorcycle rider. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers making left-hand turns in front of oncoming traffic. This type of accident accounts for 42% of all motorcycle accidents.

Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of dying in a motorcycle accident by 37%.

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