Motorcycles can be a dangerous hobby. The statistics prove it; motorcycles tend to get into trouble more often when it comes to car vs. motorcycle accidents. Not that it’s their fault. The most common motorcycle accidents generally occur due to unfavorable road conditions or other drivers missing the motorcyclist in their driving path.
Understanding the most common motorcycle accidents can help you gain confidence and make you a safer motorcyclist. After all, being proactive about preventing accidents should be everyone’s priority on the road, and knowing all the ways you’re most likely to get hurt can help you prioritize your safety every time you hit the asphalt.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Regarding motorcycles, motorcyclists have several unfair disadvantages. First and foremost, they’re smaller. Motorcyclists have far fewer safety features by their size, and the rider on top of them is much more likely to take the brunt of the force in a collision than the driver behind the wheel of a modern car.
Secondly, motorcycles are rarer. This creates the problem that the average driver of other vehicles doesn’t expect to see a motorcycle on the road, meaning they’re much more likely to oversee motorcycles that do share the road with them.
Thirdly, motorcycles have different driving mechanics when compared to the average double-axle, four-wheeled automobile. It’s easier for bikes to accelerate on straights and overtake long stretches of traffic relatively safely – but it’s harder for bikes to turn hard corners, deal with unfavorable road conditions, or avoid skidding on even a small patch of loose gravel. That’s why the top of the list of most common motorcycle accidents goes to single-vehicle accidents – ones where the bike and the bike’s rider are the only parties involved.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Motorcycles can be prone to single-vehicle accidents due to unfavorable road and weather conditions, loss of control/skidding, debris (from loose gravel to leaves), and even manhole covers. Single-vehicle accidents can also result in serious neck injuries due to the sudden impact and lack of protective structures.
Car Turning Left in Front of Motorcycle
Next to single-vehicle accidents, the most common hazard for a motorcyclist is a car driver taking a left turn. It’s the left turn. Specifically, that’s so dangerous because the motorcyclist may be in the middle of passing the car when they turn.
This can happen due to reckless driving on either party’s part – on the motorcyclist for overtaking at an intersection, for example, or on the car for signaling late, not checking their blind spots, or failing to use their mirrors adequately. Left-turn collisions can also happen when cars turn left into a road and fail to see an oncoming motorcyclist due to their size. Such incidents often result in severe injuries for motorcycle accident victims, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution.
Lane-Changing Collisions
In addition to left-turning cars, lane-changing maneuvers are just as dangerous when motorcycles are involved, and for the same general reason: a lack of visibility and inadequate mirror/blind-spot checking. Here, blind spots are the greatest culprit – and the reason every competent driving instructor drills their students to turn that neck around repeatedly, on every turn, every lane change, and every instance of an overtake. Lane-changing collisions can lead to severe injuries, making it crucial for all drivers to check their blind spots thoroughly.
Speed-Related Accidents
Motorcycles are rarely bought for commutes and day-to-day use across all seasons. The motorcycle tends to be the vehicle of choice for having a good time and for plenty of good reasons. It’s fun to ride a motorcycle.
But it also invites speeding. Speed-related accidents become a significant source of grief for motorcyclists who go the extra mile a few times too often. Speeding is at its worst when it comes to a head-on collision with a car from an opposing lane – there’s almost no instance where a passing motorcyclist comes out ahead. Speed-related accidents are a significant contributor to motorcycle fatalities, underscoring the importance of adhering to speed limits.
Rear-End Collisions
Another common and general complaint on the road is the prevalence of tailgating, and motorcyclists are common victims due to their smaller size. However, the problem with approaching another vehicle far too closely is that some vehicles brake better than others – and some drivers brake later than others. When a car bumper-checks another car, the damage is usually minor. But rear-end collisions between a car and a motorcycle can be tragic. Rear-end collisions often result in common motorcycle accident injuries such as spinal injuries and road rash.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of motorcycle accidents. These occur when a motorcycle crashes into another vehicle head-on, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on collisions account for 76% of fatal motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle. The impact of such collisions is usually catastrophic due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
To mitigate the risk of head-on collisions, motorcycle riders should always stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Following traffic laws, maintaining a safe speed, and anticipating the actions of other drivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of these tragic accidents. Remember, defensive driving is not just a skill but a necessity for motorcyclists.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can stem from various factors, ranging from human error to environmental hazards. Understanding these common causes can empower riders to take proactive steps in preventing accidents and ensuring their safety on the road.
Driver Error
Driver error is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This category includes mistakes made by both motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers. For motorcyclists, errors such as speeding, abrupt lane changes, or failing to adhere to traffic signals can lead to dangerous situations. On the other hand, car drivers often fail to yield the right of way, misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle, or turn into the path of a motorcyclist without proper signaling.
To minimize the risk of accidents caused by driver error, motorcyclists should always follow traffic laws, stay alert, and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe distance and avoiding blind spots, can also prevent collisions.
Road Hazards
Road hazards pose a significant threat to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, oil slicks, and other debris can cause a motorcycle to lose traction and control, leading to accidents. Unlike cars, motorcycles have less stability and are more susceptible to these hazards.
To navigate safely, motorcyclists should always be on the lookout for potential road hazards. Slowing down, especially in unfamiliar areas or adverse weather conditions, can provide the necessary reaction time to avoid obstacles. Also, choosing well-maintained routes and staying informed about road conditions can enhance safety.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries: Severity and Impact
Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and life-altering. Understanding these injuries’ potential severity and impact can help motorcyclists take necessary precautions and seek appropriate legal and medical assistance.
Common Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries often include head injuries, spinal injuries, and road rash injuries. Head injuries are particularly concerning as they can lead to traumatic brain injuries, resulting in permanent physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Wearing a high-quality helmet is crucial in mitigating the risk of head injuries.
Spinal injuries are another serious concern, potentially leading to paralysis, respiratory issues, and other severe complications. Protective gear, such as back protectors, can offer some defense against these injuries.
Road rash injuries caused by sliding across the pavement can result in severe burns, infections, and permanent scarring. Wearing a full motorcycle suit, including gloves, pants, jackets, and boots, can significantly reduce the severity of road rash injuries.
By understanding these common types of motorcycle accident injuries and taking preventive measures, motorcyclists can better protect themselves and reduce the risk of serious harm. In the unfortunate event of an accident, consulting with experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help injured motorcyclists navigate the legal complexities and seek the compensation they deserve.
Critical Preventive Measures for Motorcyclists
A high-quality motorcyclist helmet can do a lot to prevent serious head trauma in the event of a motorcycle accident. Other levels of protective gear help, too, but the helmet takes priority. After the helmet, protecting yourself with gloves, pants, jackets, and boots is a good idea. A full motorcycle suit can also prevent the worst cases of road rash or worse damage.
In addition to financial insurance, taking a little experiential insurance in the form of a few additional riding courses can be a significant investment in your skills as a rider and your safety as a motorcyclist.
Most motorcyclists are fortunate enough to never be in a severe accident. But it never hurts to be prepared. Knowing as much as possible about your legal priorities after an accident can save you a lot of trouble. In the unfortunate event of an accident, consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and seek the compensation you deserve.
Some of the most common legal questions we are asked after a motorcycle accident include:
Who is at fault in a motorcycle accident?
This is a very complicated question to answer, and it depends entirely on the circumstances of the event. Motorcyclists are not automatically at fault in any accident they’re involved in, even if driving a motorcycle is statistically more dangerous. In fact, some research shows that car drivers are disproportionately at fault in motorcycle accidents, often due to inattentiveness, failing to give right of way, and so on.
Motorcycle injury attorneys can help determine fault and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Should I gather evidence at the scene of the accident?
The first thing you should do after a motorcycle crash is prioritize your own well-being. If able, call for help – dial 911 and get emergency services underway as soon as possible. From there, be sure to carefully document your trips to the doctor and the extent of your injuries. If another party was involved, making sure that your injuries are sufficiently documented is important for any potential legal matter.
Should I talk to the other party’s insurance company or an experienced motorcycle accident attorney?
Generally speaking, no. It’s usually not a good idea to talk to the other party’s insurance company or anyone representing the other party without first discussing it with a lawyer. If you’re recovered enough to make calls after getting into an accident, consider speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible to set your course of action. Motorcycle accident victims should seek legal advice before speaking with the other party’s insurance company to ensure their rights are protected.
It’s important for us to highlight that the contents of our blog do not constitute specific legal advice and that legal advice can only be given on a case-by-case basis after a more careful, and comprehensive review of the facts. Don’t let yourself be sold short – you deserve proper compensation and competent legal representation. However, having an overview of some basic information on the priorities after a personal injury can be helpful.
For our Senior Partner Greg Owen, a motocross aficionado and lifelong motorcyclist, getting the best possible legal representation for motorcyclists is a personal commitment. If you have any other questions or want to know more about your options after a motorcycle accident, contact our legal team at Owen, Patterson & Owen or call 800-676-5295.
Need expert legal advice? Don’t navigate the complexities alone.
Need expert legal advice?
Don't navigate the complexities alone.