Five Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Florida’s pleasant year round climate, flat terrain, and abundance of events and attractions make it ideal for motorcycle riding, either alone or as part of a group. Unfortunately, with riders competing with trucks and other motor vehicles on the road, motorcycle accidents happen on a regular basis. With little to protect bikers involved in these collisions, severe and life threatening injuries are a major concern. It is important for riders to be aware of the potential dangers and the common ways in which motorcycle accidents occur.
Florida Motorcycle Accidents
Once the reserve of ‘tough guys’ and motorcycle gang members, motorcycle aficionados now include all age groups and come from all walks of life. As riding has gained in popularity over the last decade, motorcycle accidents and injuries have steadily increased over that time as well. According to the latest crash statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 5,000 bikers are killed each year in motorcycle accidents throughout the U.S.
Florida has the grim distinction of leading the nation in terms of the total number of motorcycle fatalities that happen in our state. The NHTSA reported close to 600 fatalities during 2015. This is more than 10 percent more than occur in California, and nearly three times the number in neighboring states. In the majority of these cases, these collisions involve other motor vehicles.
Common Causes of Car/Motorcycle Collisions
Even minor accidents that would otherwise be considered a fender bender can have potentially deadly results when a motorcyclist is involved. RideApart advises that the following are among the most common causes of car/motorcycle collisions:
- Sudden stops in traffic: Motorcycles respond differently than cars, and generally need additional stopping time to avoid having the brakes seize up. This can cause the bike to come to a grinding halt, sending the driver head first over the handlebars.
- Rear end collisions: Rear end accidents in which a rider is struck from behind by a motor vehicle often occur due to tailgating in high traffic conditions or in areas of low visibility, such as at night or in fog.
- Blind spot accidents: Motorcyclists riding in a car or truck’s blind spot are in danger of serious accidents if the driver suddenly decides to switch lanes.
- Cars making left turns: These are the most common type of motorcycle accident, in which a motorist either fails to see you or fails to yield the right of way.
- Open car doors: Motorcyclists are encouraged to always follow standard traffic patterns, and to avoid ducking between cars as a short cut. If a motor vehicle driver parked on the side of the road suddenly opens their door, serious and potentially disabling injuries can result.
When motorcycle accidents occur due to the reckless actions of other motorists, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Call or contact the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely online today and request a free consultation with a Bradenton motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case.
Resource:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812353
