5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There’s no doubt that every time you get on a motorcycle, you are taking a risk. Accidents that could merely inconvenience the driver of a car or truck can often prove life-threatening for individual on a motorcycle. Here are 5 of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

1) Driver Turns Left in Front of You

Accidents occurring within intersections are not uncommon. Unfortunately, they can also prove to be some of the most dangerous accidents for motorcyclists. Often the scenario is something like this: a motorist and a motorcyclist are both approaching a four-way intersection from different directions. The driver, who does not have a green arrow, fails to see the motorcyclist approaching and turns left in front of them causing them to crash into the side of their car.

This often transpires due to the much smaller size of the motorcycle. Therefore, in an effort to be better seen, it’s important to ensure that your headlights are always on – no matter the time of day.

2. Rear-End Collisions

One of the most common types of accidents for vehicles is a rear-end collision, often referred to as a fender bender. While these accidents may prove extremely frustrating, they can be life-changing for motorcyclists who are often not seen by motorists approaching them at a stop sign or traffic light. When you are able to put a larger vehicle between you and other drivers, you can often better protect yourself.

3. Dooring Accidents

We think about dooring accidents a lot when it comes to bicyclists and parked cars, but they are equally – if not more – dangerous when it comes to motorcyclists as well.

When a motorist opens the door of their vehicle despite a motorcyclist about to pass, this is called a “dooring” accident. The sudden force of the door opening and the impact of hitting it can leave a motorcyclist severely injured. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to parked cars on the side of the street and drive defensively.

4. Debris Under Your Tires

For motorists, debris can often lead to a flat tire, but for motorcyclists, it can often result in major injury. Loose gravel and other debris, especially as you are turning, can result in you losing control of your motorcycle. Therefore it’s extremely important to keep an eye out for debris at all times and to avoid riding on trails and back roads when possible.

5. Merging Vehicles

Since motorcyclists are so much smaller, drivers of larger vehicles often easily miss them. Therefore, when a larger vehicle is changing lanes or merging you may end up in their blind spot. To help avoid such an accident it is important that you try to avoid riding in the blind spot of others.

 The Goss Law Firm, P.C. Can Help

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it can cause serious, often life-threatening injuries. Medical bills and missed wages can lead to financial problems. But you should not have to pay for the negligent mistakes of someone else. That’s why it is so important to consult with a qualified Kansas City Motorcycle Accident attorney. He or she will listen to your story, provide legal advice and walk you through the legal process in an effort to help you get your life back again.

 If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, due to the negligence of another, you should get the compensation that you deserve. The Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers at The Goss Law Firm will fight for your rights. To learn more or to schedule a FREE consultation, call 816-527-8658 today.