8 Causes of Florida Motorcycle Accidents
While riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, it’s also a risky one. There are many reasons why motorcycle accidents take place. The hard truth is that, in far too many instances, the rider suffers severe – even fatal – injuries. Many times, the car or truck driver was negligent, and caused the accident to occur. But there are times where the rider is at fault.
If you were in an accident due to another’s negligence, Arye P. Corbett is here to help. Mr. Corbett knows how to prove a client’s case, and always works to ensure maximum compensation.
Schedule a free consultation as soon as you can by contacting our office online or giving us a call at (561) 948-3700.
These are the eight most common reasons motorcycle accidents take place.
1. Drivers Making a Left Turn
This is by far the most common cause of collisions between a four-wheeled vehicle and a motorcycle. In fact, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that 41% of all vehicle/motorcycle accidents occur when the vehicle makes a left turn.
The driver in this case is nearly always to blame. The rider has the right of way and is moving through an intersection. The vehicle driver doesn’t see the bike, and starts turning to the left. The rider then slams into the side of the vehicle, very likely suffering severe injuries in the process.
2. Rear Collisions
Just about anything can cause a motorcyclist to have to suddenly slam on their brakes. It could be an animal in the middle of the road, a pothole that seemingly comes out of nowhere, or some other reason. Regardless of why this happens, a sudden stop will greatly increase the chances that a vehicle will hit the back tire of the bike.
Drivers are often to blame in this situation because they were following too closely in the first place. They either collide with the back of the motorcycle or completely overrun it. The results can be catastrophic for the rider.
3. Lane Changes
Every vehicle, whether it’s a car, an SUV or a huge semi-truck, has blind spots. Motorcycles are already difficult for other motorists to see. When they’re in a blind spot, a driver will often change lanes without having the slightest idea that the motorcycle is even there. In too many instances, drivers will not turn their heads before making that type of maneuver.
Even if they can see a bike in another lane, drivers will often not have a good idea of just how far away it really is. They think the motorcycle is farther away, and they decide to make the turn.
Seasoned bikers know that this happens all the time. They make sure they wear bright clothing whenever possible, and they make it a point to check the other vehicle’s driver-side mirror. If you can see the driver’s face, then they’ll be able to see you. If you can’t, then slow down and make sure you give other vehicles plenty of room – just in case they make a change.
4. Drunk Drivers
Impaired driving is a common cause of all kinds of vehicular accidents, not just ones that involve motorcycles. Unfortunately, drivers as well as riders are often to blame. If a motorcyclist is impaired, that has a powerful effect on a rider’s balance. It also affects their ability to make quick decisions.
Incredibly, about a quarter of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur because the rider has a BAC (blood alcohol content) of ..08% or more – that is above the legal limit. When riders are impaired, they are more prone to test the limits of their bikes and exhibit other forms of poor judgment. That often results in disaster.
5. Open Car Doors
Traveling down any sort of busy road can be scary for a motorcyclist. This is especially the case when going through a parking lot, or a narrow road where cars are parked on one or both sides. When a driver opens a car door, a motorcycle rider has only one choice – to slam on the brakes as hard as they can. A collision is more than likely going to occur, and that can lead to catastrophic injuries for the rider.
6. Distracted Drivers
There are more gadgets than ever in the average passenger car. Drivers can simply push a button and check the air pressure in their tires, find out whether or not they need an oil change, and much, much more. Add to that the fact that just about every driver has a smartphone, and the chances for an accident due to a distracted driver skyrocket.
When a driver is already distracted, that makes it even harder to notice that a motorcycle is present.
7. Lane Splitting
This is an incredibly dangerous move, and it’s also illegal in Florida and every other state except California. The name basically says it all when explaining this maneuver. A rider drives between two lanes in an effort to get around slow traffic, or to keep moving in the case of a traffic jam. The reason it’s so dangerous is that drivers typically have absolutely no idea that a motorcycle is coming – and won’t be checking their mirrors.
It really doesn’t matter what the excuse may be for lane splitting – it’s not worth the risk. If you do this, and you’re involved in an accident as a result, then you’ll very likely be held responsible for any injuries or damage that result.
8. Speeding
Traveling at an excessive speed can contribute to any kind of accident, but it can be particularly devastating in a wreck involving a motorcycle. The higher the speed, the more powerful the impact – and the higher the chances for a severe injury or death.
Motorcyclists are completely blameless when it comes to speeding-related crashes. Most bikes are extremely light, and can go extremely fast. Riders will sometimes decide to see how fast their bikes can go, and be involved in a horrible accident as a result.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After Your Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you need to hire an attorney as soon as you can. Your legal representative will make sure your rights are protected at all times, and work to make sure you get as much money as you deserve.
Arye P. Corbett has a track record of fighting – and winning – these kinds of cases. Find out more by using our online form or calling (561) 948-3700 for a free case review.