What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Helmet on the road after a motorcycle accident

Many factors can result in a motorcycle accident– from mechanical defects to human error. However, some causes are more common than others. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, understanding the cause of the collision is the first step towards pursuing compensation for your injuries. You have the right to seek out an attorney during your pursuit of damages, and a New York City personal injury lawyer can provide you with the guidance you need.

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Poor training

Some motorcyclists lack the training needed to operate their vehicles safely. Operating a motorcycle requires skills that can only be obtained by hours of practice. When inexperienced or poorly trained riders take the streets too early, serious injuries are a common outcome.

Visibility issues

There are serious visibility issues that do not apply to other vehicles. Often, motorcycles are surrounded by larger cars or commercial trucks that make the motorcyclist challenging to see. These issues are often compounded by drivers who fail to keep an eye out for them. Riders are often struck while attempting to change lanes, especially when traffic is heavy.

Parked Car Doors

In New York City, the doors of parked cars represent a significant threat to motorcyclists. Roads in New York City are often congested. A rider traveling close to a line of parked cars could suffer serious injuries if the driver of one of those vehicles opens their door in the path of the rider. This is a common cause of serious injuries.

Speeding

Speeding is a common factor in all types of accidents. Whether it is a fellow motorcyclist or the operator of a nearby passenger vehicle, it routinely leads to dangerous collisions. The primary danger associated with a speeding car is the driver’s inability to avoid changing road conditions. If a person is traveling too fast, they are unlikely to have time to stop if another vehicle pulls into their path.

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Lane splitting

Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of stopped or slowed traffic. Traveling between lanes might save time during their trip, but they could also put themselves at risk of serious injuries. Lane splitting is especially risky in slow-moving traffic. If a vehicle in front of the lane-splitting rider fails to notice them, they might attempt to change lanes at the wrong time.

Intoxicated driving

The risks that are generally associated with riding a motorcycle are enhanced in the presence of a drunk driver. Many motorists struggle to see motorcyclists under the best conditions. An impaired driver is less likely to notice a rider in their blind spot.

Manufacturing defects

While most motorcycle accidents occur as the result of human error, that is not always the case. Some crashes occur entirely due to manufacturing defects. A defective motorcycle or motorcycle part could cause an accident despite a person’s best effort to ride safely. When defects cause an accident, it could be possible to pursue a civil lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Contact us at Douglas & London for a free consultation

These are only a few of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in New York City. An experienced NYC motorcycle accident lawyer could help you pursue your claim for compensation regardless of how your accident occurred. Before you pursue an injury claim on your own, contact the attorneys of Douglas & London right away for a free consultation.