Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

• In 2019, the most harmful event for more than half of motorcycle riders was a collision with another moving car. In these accidents, the other vehicles were typically making a left turn while the motorcycles were driving straight. The data suggests that car drivers may not see motorcycle riders when they attempt to make left turns. For this reason, it is imperative for motorists to always look out for bikers at all times. Motorcycle drivers can help by wearing brightly colored clothing as well as exercising extreme caution when approaching an intersection where a driver may be making a left turn.
• Timing also is a significant factor with respect to fatal motorcycle collisions. In terms of age, the “40 and older” age group made up 54% of motorcyclists killed in 2016. Most of these collisions occurred during the work week between Monday at 6:00 a.m. and Friday at 5:59 p.m.
• As with cars, motorcycles become significantly more dangerous when the operator has consumed alcohol. Of all the motorcycle-related fatalities in 2019, 29% of deceased riders were found to have consumed alcohol prior to riding.

Collisions may also be caused by:

• A vehicle traveling in front of a motorcyclist coming to an abrupt stop
• Motorcycle defects and malfunctions
• Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
• Poor road design, construction, and/or maintenance
• Speeding, tailgating, and other reckless driving

How to Prevent a Motorcycle Accident

Both motorists and bikers have a responsibility to drive carefully in order to mitigate causing harm to themselves or others.

Tips for motorists on how to prevent motorcycle crashes include:

• Always, always, always remain aware of motorcyclists when you drive—especially when making a left turn or opening your car door. Ensure you are not about to block the path of an oncoming biker before doing so. Don’t forget to check your rearview mirror for bikers, too.
• Never drive recklessly. This includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting and driving, speeding, and tailgating. The more rules of the road you follow, the less likely you are to cause a crash.

Bikers can also help prevent accidents by doing the following:

• Make yourself as visible as possible by wearing high visibility colors, such as yellow. Also, ensure that your motorcycle’s lights are on and in working order.
• Wear protective gear that covers your whole body so that you are as protected as possible during a crash. This may include helmets, gloves, eye protection, boots, and leather jackets and pants.
• Slow down when possible—speeding slows your reaction time while also greatly multiplying your chance to suffer permanent injury or death if a crash occurs.
• Perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle to ensure it is working properly.

The Importance of Wearing a Helmet

Perhaps the single greatest indicator as to whether a motorcycle rider survives a collision is the presence of a protective helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders. In other words, for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

Despite motorcycles being perfectly legal, the presence of car and truck drivers makes riding a dangerous activity. Those that fail to operate cars in a reasonably prudent and safe manner can be held liable for the harm they cause to motorcycle enthusiasts.

Hire a Team of Skilled Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today!

If you or your loved one has been a victim of a motorcycle collision or other motorcycle accident, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at Knafo Law Offices to discuss your legal options. Your right to the road is no less than any other driver, and you or your family deserve to be compensated when other drivers are negligent and cause harm.

Schedule your free, no obligation consultation today by calling (610) 756-1098. You can also contact us online using our secure intake form.