Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than every other vehicle on the road. As a result, motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury and even death than other drivers in the event of an accident. After an accident, most drivers will say that they simply “didn’t see” the motorcycle. While this is often just an attempt to avoid responsibility, understanding the specific causes of a motorcycle accident is helpful if you need to pursue a claim. For this reason, you should speak to a Leonardtown motorcycle accident lawyer if you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. 

Left-Turn Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents are the result of a driver making a left turn in front of a motorcycle in the following scenarios: 

• The motorcycle is approaching in the opposite lane, and the car turns left into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. 
• The car turns left as a motorcycle attempts to pass the vehicle. 

In these situations, visibility may be a factor, but drivers have an obligation to watch for motorcycles. If the driver claims that they weren’t at fault because they didn’t see you, you should contact a Leonardtown motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your case. 

Lane Changes

Lane changes are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who suddenly change lanes, unpredictably or without signaling, pose a constant hazard to motorcyclists. Drivers should carefully check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes in order to prevent accidents. 

Tailgating

Because motorcycles are lighter, they can stop in a much shorter distance than the average motor vehicle. Despite this fact, many cars and trucks will tailgate motorcycles. If the motorcycle has to stop short to avoid an accident, the following vehicle can rear-end them if they can’t stop in time, leading to serious injuries. 

“Dooring” Accidents

“Dooring” accidents occur when the driver of a parked vehicle suddenly opens the door without looking into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. This can cause the motorcycle rider to swerve into traffic to avoid colliding with the door and the driver. It can also cause the rider to crash, throwing them out into oncoming traffic. Drivers in dooring accidents will often claim that they were not at fault, which is why you should work with an experienced Leonardtown motorcycle accident lawyer. 

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions typically occur when a car or truck moves into the oncoming lane to pass another vehicle. These accidents are another instance where the driver often claims they just didn’t see the motorcyclist. Unfortunately, these accidents can be catastrophic and result in very serious injuries to the rider. A Leonardtown motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your injuries. 

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Leonardtown Motorcycle Accident Thomas E. Pyles

Motorcyclists who have been injured in an accident need knowledgeable legal representation to help them rebuild their lives. With 28 years of experience and thousands of cases under his belt, Leonardtown motorcycles accident attorney Thomas E. Pyles can help you get fair compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at 301-705-5006 to discuss your case with someone who knows how to get results.