Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in And Tips to Avoid Them from Your Denver Auto Accident Attorney
Accidents involving a motorcycle are one of the most dangerous types of accidents to become involved in and can often result in a fatality for the motorcyclist. For this reason, it is especially important to be aware of all of the ways in which a driver can avoid the possibility of an accident. This not only applies to drivers who are on the motorcycle, but also is relevant and important to know for those who are driving in a car or truck. Here are the common reasons why accidents involving a motorcycle occur and tips to prevent these incidents from occurring from your Denver auto accident attorney.
Cause #1: Road Hazards
Drivers of motorcycles are at a much greater risk for dealing with road hazards than those who are operating a car or truck. A pothole to a car can be an annoyance, and at worse can be damaging to the car, whereas a motorcyclist can easily crash due to hitting an unforeseen pothole if they aren’t mindful and cautious. Construction zones can also create similar dangers for those on a motorcycle, making it especially important for a person to be cautious when navigating through these parts of their drive.
Tip #1: Be alert of when navigating through treacherous territory
If you are driving through a part of the road that is bumpy, has construction work on it, or is in some way hazardous an obvious, yet helpful reminder is to remain alert while driving. Distracted driving is a major factor in accidents, and this fact is only heightened when you are driving through a stretch of the road that is in some way hazardous. Sometimes the simplest solution is often the most useful, and this certainly applies to driving through hazardous conditions.
Cause #2: Cars Making Left Turns
Perhaps the most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist is the scenario in which cars are making left-hand turns. Approximately 42% of all motorcycle accidents are that also involve another vehicle are the result of left-hand turns. The situation plays out in a variety of ways, either where a car that is making a left-hand turn strikes the motorcyclist when the motorcycle is heading straight through an intersection or is attempting to pass/overtake the car. Because a motorcycle is smaller, and thus is much more difficult to be aware of, it is easy for a driver to not see it and collide with the driver as a result.
Tip #2: Drive Defensively
As a motorcyclist, it is important to keep in mind that many other drivers are not going to be able to see you as you are on the road. In situations where you are needing to pass or overtake a vehicle, you should take every precaution and prepare for the worst; that being that the other driver will not see you as you pass them. One of the most basic tenants of driver safety is to drive defensively, meaning you prepare for the other driver to be negligent or unsafe, leaving your better prepared for the possibility that they will do something unsafe. Driving a motorcycle presents a number of additional safety risks to the driver, making this rule that much more important and essential to abide by.
Cause #3: Lane Splitting
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives in between lanes as a way to drive faster through stopped traffic. In states such as California, this tactic is allowed under the law and is a common sight on roadways as a result. This practice is a risky act for the motorcyclist, as the margin for error is reduced, while at the same time the inherent risk is dramatically increased as there is significantly less space between your vehicle and another’s.Accidents resulting from lane splitting occur due to a number of factors. The amount of space that a motorcyclist has to maneuver between vehicles is significantly reduced, diminishing the ability of a driver to safely make their way through traffic. For drivers of the cars next to the motorcycle, this practice can make it difficult to anticipate or predict when a motorcycle will be driving next to them. If traffic begins to move again, this can create a very dangerous situation for the motorcyclist.
Tip #3: Avoid the Urge to Lane Split, But Practice Safe Habits if You Decide To
As a driver of a smaller vehicle that has the ability to navigate through stopped traffic, it can be very tempting as a driver of a motorcycle to split lanes whenever traffic is bad. But this practice also comes with risks that can include serious injury and death if the driver is involved in an accident. While lane splitting may shorten the amount of time the driver is in traffic, it may also shorten that driver’s lifespan if they get into a crash.
If you decide to practice lane-splitting as a motorcyclist, practice safe habits to reduce the possibility of getting involved in an accident. Don’t drive excessively fast through traffic, as this will allow you more time to react in the event that another driver decides to abruptly change lanes. It’s also a good idea to avoid splitting lanes near on-ramps and exits, as this is often where other vehicles are going to change lanes. It’s also advisable to not split lanes when traffic is moving above 30 mph, as this will increase the chances of a collision.
It is important to do everything you possibly can to avoid an accident, but sometimes things happen that are out of your control. In these cases, you will want someone to advocate for you every step of the workers’ compensation process. Because of this, it is important to seek out the services of a qualified workers’ compensation attorney that will fight for your rights every step of the way. Mark Simon is someone who will fight tirelessly for your rights and ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement. He will begin the investigation process immediately, ensuring you receive the best representation possible. Contact him to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.