Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not have steel walls or airbags — and they offer no protection to riders. This can make motorcycle accidents very serious and the resulting injuries catastrophic. Unfortunately, it only takes one careless decision by the driver of a larger vehicle for a motorcyclist’s life to change forever.
There are many ways motorcycle crashes occur. In many cases, they are caused by another driver’s negligence. Since motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than cars, trucks, and SUVs, it can sometimes be difficult for motor vehicle operators to see them, increasing the risk of an accident. However, there are several reckless driving behaviors that can cause motorcycle accidents. Here are five of the most common ways motorcycle accidents can arise:
1. Crashes Caused by Other Vehicles Making a Left Turn
Left-turn accidents are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents. A left-hand turn accident can occur when an oncoming motorcycle is struck by a vehicle turning left. These types of crashes can take place at intersections, corners, or stop signs. They can happen simply due to another driver’s carelessness, speeding, impaired driving, or distracted driving.
2. Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Failure to Observe
A motor vehicle operator’s failure to observe a motorcyclist on the roadway is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. These crashes can happen because of a driver’s carelessness — but also because of a driver’s failure to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot. While blind spots present a danger for all vehicles, they are especially hazardous for motorcycle riders. Critically, all drivers have a legal duty to turn and physically check their blind spots. Failure to do so can result in them being held liable for a motorcyclist’s injuries in the event of an accident.
3. Collisions Caused by Lane Switching
When a driver of a car, SUV, or truck makes a lane change and does not take the proper safety precautions, they can strike a passing or oncoming motorcycle. Lane-switching accidents can also happen because another driver fails to use a turn signal, aggressive driving, or distracted driving. An improper or unsafe lane change can result in a motorcyclist sustaining head and brain injuries, internal organ damage, fractures, nerve damage, disfigurement, paralysis, or even fatality.
4. Crashes Due to Hazardous Road Conditions
Sometimes, a motorcycle accident doesn’t involve another vehicle — a motorcycle crash can also be caused by road hazards. For instance, construction zone debris, potholes, and poorly maintained roadways can all be causes of a motorcycle collision. If a municipality had notice of a dangerous condition on the road and failed to repair it, they may be liable for the economic and non-economic damages a motorcyclist suffered in connection with the hazardous road accident.
5. Accidents Caused by a Driver’s Recklessness
Motorcyclists face significant risks on the road when other drivers operate their vehicles recklessly. A driver can be reckless in several ways, including engaging in aggressive driving, road rage, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, tailgating, or speeding. Even if a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet and other protective gear, the injuries they may suffer due to another driver’s recklessness can be devastating and result in permanent disability.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your monetary losses and pain and suffering by filing a personal injury action. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can protect your rights and work to recover the economic and non-economic damages to which you may be entitled under the law. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has represented victims of negligence for three decades and strives to obtain the best possible results in each of their unique cases.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.