The Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riding is great sport but inherently dangerous. Being small in size and relatively unstable, motorcycles are more prone to accidents. Also, motorcyclists’ lack of external protection makes them more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Knowing the principal reasons for motorcycle mishaps is a good start to avoiding them. The following are three of the leading causes:

• Inattentive drivers — Passenger and commercial vehicles drivers do not always look for or notice motorcycles, which can dart quickly around them. Drivers might turn in front of motorcycles or cut them off when changing lanes. While motorcycles are highly maneuverable, in many instances the rider simply does not have sufficient time to avoid a collision.
• Poor conditions — Having only two wheels, motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards than other vehicles. Wet pavement, loose sand or gravel, oil spills or ice and snow can easily cause a rider to lose control. Also, adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog and dust can make for poor visibility on the roads, affecting both motorcyclists and other drivers.
• Unsafe maneuvers — Although most motorcyclists observe basic traffic rules and safety practices, some may push the limits by going too fast, weaving in traffic or lane splitting, which means traveling between car lanes in slow-moving or stopped traffic. Poor riding can also be the result of a motorcyclist’s level of experience.

Motorcycling will never be accident-free, but riders can improve safety by:

• Riding responsibly — Ride only when physically and mentally up to the task and never ride while intoxicated, impaired or distracted. Riders can also improve their skills by participating in motorcycle safety events and advanced riding classes.
• Riding defensively — Remain vigilant and anticipate other motorists’ potential mistakes.
• Riding in groups — A group of motorcycles is much more visible to other motorists, so riding together is much safer than riding alone.
• Checking conditions — Riders should keep a close eye on the weather and check for road condition advisories whenever possible.

If injured in a motorcycle accident, a rider should first seek immediate medical treatment to prevent any further harm. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can advise about how a rider can recover his or her losses from one or more parties at fault.

Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP in Santa Barbara, California is a full service personal injury firm serving clients in southern California. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact us online or call 805-962-0397 for a free consultation.