Any accident can be extremely dangerous and even lead to death. Motorcycle accidents can be more likely to cause severe injuries. In fact, they account for more than 15 percent of all traffic fatalities.
It is up to both drivers and motorcyclists to take the necessary precautions to avoid these fatal accidents. In an effort to reduce injuries and death caused by motorcycle accidents, let’s take a look at the most common causes of motorcycle accidents so we know what pitfalls to avoid.
Left-hand Turns
It’s simple and you probably take countless left-hand turns in your daily commute, but cars turning left can frequently collide with oncoming or passing motorcyclists. Whether they didn’t see the motorcyclist, didn’t check their blind spot, or were distracted, drivers taking a left turn are required to yield to all other traffic. If they haven’t they could be responsible for damages to an injured party.
You can avoid left turn accidents by wearing reflective materials, utilizing headlights, and obeying traffic signals, speed restrictions, and lane markings. Drivers should always check behind them and signal before making a turn.
Head-on collisions
Due to what is generally an unequal amount of force, head-on collisions are especially dangerous to motorcyclists. Whether head-on collisions occur with another vehicle or a fixed object such as a tree or light post, it can be fatal. Head-on collisions are often caused by veering off the road. One of the main causes of this is driving while under the influence. This negatively affects your judgment, reaction times, balance, and awareness. Never drive a vehicle or motorcycle while under the influence. Even when alcohol or other substances are not in play, many schools will teach motorcyclists to lay their bikes down before they ever consider veering into oncoming traffic to avoid an impact.
Road Hazards
Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles or trucks. This makes them much or unstable or reactive to irregularity or unexpected objects on the road. Uneven roads, potholes, gravel on pavement, and railroad tracks are some examples of hazards motorcyclists must pay attention to.
When deciding to ride your motorcycle, be as informed as possible. Avoid riding your motorcycle if the weather is poor because snow and rain could lessen your traction. If you cannot avoid it, reduce your speed limit, stay watchful for road hazards, and drive defensively to protect yourself.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer near Cincinnati
Riding a motorcycle comes with risk but if everyone obeys traffic laws and drives safely, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy this exhilarating activity safely. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to damages for your injuries. Connect with The Richards Firm to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer near Cincinnati.
We can be reached at 513-868-2731, ext. 219 or visit us at https://richardsinjuryfirm.com.
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