Motorcycle crashes can have catastrophic consequences for the motorcyclist. The issue with these cases is that there seems to be an unfair bias against motorcyclists because people tend to focus on the “biker” persona. The truth is that most motorcyclists are very safe drivers who want to enjoy their time on the road and make it to their destination without issue.
Motorcyclists face a great risk of harm in a crash. They’re five times more likely to be injured than someone who’s in a passenger vehicle and 26 times more likely to die. Wearing a helmet can help prevent certain injuries and fatalities, but the risk is still there.
What are the Possible Causes of a Motorcycle Crash?
There are many possible causes of motorcycle crashes. While some of these are the fault of the motorcyclist, other factors might cause the crash.
Intersections
Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcycles because it’s difficult for some motorists to see them. Weather conditions, other vehicles, and obstacles near the intersection can make it hard to see these small-profile motorcycles. Around 70% of vehicle-versus-motorcycle crashes at intersections are due to visibility issues. To increase visibility on the road, you can add decals for your dirtbike to help make your bike more noticeable, allowing other drivers to see you and potentially avoid a crash. Reflective materials can improve your safety, especially in low-visibility conditions like fog, rain, and snow. Furthermore, it makes your bike stand out and is easier to identify from a distance.
Right-of-Way
Other motorists violating a motorcyclist’s right-of-way is another primary cause of crashes. This was the cause in around two-thirds of crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles. Other motorists have to recognize that just because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles doesn’t mean that motorcyclists don’t have the same right-of-way as other motorists.
Grass Clippings
People who are cutting the grass may blow the clippings into the street. In some areas, this is illegal. It’s also very dangerous for motorcyclists. Riding a motorcycle on grass clippings is the equivalent of riding on a sheet of ice. Some motorcyclists will try to avoid grass clippings, but this may put them at risk of being struck by a nearby vehicle. It’s best for anyone cutting the grass to blow the clippings away from the road or to bag them.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Motorcyclists who are injured in a crash that’s caused by another person might wonder when to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. The best answer to this is that you should hire one as soon as you realize you suffered an injury. Time limits built into state law give you only a short time to file your claim.
Another reason to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible is that they can ensure evidence is preserved. This can include taking depositions from witnesses because it’s possible that people won’t remember little details about the crash as time moves on.
A motorcycle crash lawyer can help you to determine who to hold liable for the crash. This can be more than one party, so looking at the circumstances of the crash is necessary. They can also determine the types of damages and the amount of compensation to claim in the case. You only have one chance to do this because once the case is resolved, you can’t come back to ask for more money.
