Anyone who enjoys riding a motorcycle is likely to tell you that nothing will stop them from hitting the road. Even so, experienced riders understand the importance of safety and how to lessen the likelihood of an accident.
Knowing the most common causes of motorcycle accidents will go a long way in helping you avoid dangerous situations. Here are five of the most common causes, as well as some advice on how to prevent a crash:
- A car turns left in front of you: When approaching a traffic signal, for instance, a motor vehicle may misjudge your speed and attempt to turn left in front of you. Doing so could lead you to collide with the side of the vehicle before it clears the intersection. You can’t control what other drivers do, but slowing down as you approach intersections can help prevent an accident.
- Gravel or debris on the roadway: This has nothing to do with other drivers, and everything to do with road maintenance. Loose gravel, especially in a corner or around a bend, can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle.
- A car hits you when changing lanes: This can happen for many reasons, including a driver who doesn’t check their blind spot before making a lane change. The best thing you can do is make yourself visible to the drivers around you.
- Rear-end collision: This can happen almost anywhere on the road, with it most common when you’re stopped at a red light or stop sign. If you’re in a motor vehicle, a minor rear-end collision may not result in an injury. However, when you’re on a motorcycle, this almost always causes serious injury or death.
- Car door in your path: This comes into play on any roadway where there are vehicles parked along the curb. If a driver opens their door into your path, you’ll either hit it head-on or attempt to swerve out of the way. It’s your hope that you recognize the door quickly enough to move, but even if you do you could still lose control of your bike.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to receive medical treatment and to file a claim with your insurance company. As you recover, it’s important to do whatever you can to receive compensation for your injuries and damage to your motorcycle.