Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
Although wearing safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, boots, and protective eyewear can help motorcyclists stay safe while riding, doing so is by no means a surefire protection against injury. This is particularly true for those who are involved in certain types of accidents. The best thing that motorcyclists and motorists can do is try to avoid accidents altogether, especially those detailed below, which are some of the most common motorcycle accident scenarios in Florida. Fortunately, injured motorcyclists are often entitled to damages compensating them for injury-related losses, so if you were recently hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer who can explain your legal options.
A Vehicle Turns Left in Front of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but most are the result of negligence on at least one person’s part. When it comes to left turn collisions, fault can usually be attributed to the driver of the vehicle who:
- Did not see the motorcyclist approaching;
- Cannot properly judge a motorcycle’s speed; or
- Is distracted, intoxicated, or driving recklessly.
To help avoid being injured in this type of accident, motorcyclists should keep an eye out for certain behaviors that could indicate that a vehicle is about to turn. For instance, the direction of a vehicle’s wheels can reveal what direction the vehicle will be traveling.
A Vehicle Suddenly Changes Lanes
Motorcycles tend to be more difficult to see than passenger vehicles. This can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists when drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. While drifting into someone else’s lane is never ideal, it often results only in property damage if the parties involved were two evenly matched vehicles. A motorcyclist, on the other hand, is much more likely to sustain a serious injury in this type of accident and could even be run off the road entirely.
A Motorcyclist is Rear-Ended by a Vehicle
A rear-end accident that would be considered a minor fender bender between two vehicles could prove life threatening when one of the parties involved is a motorcyclist. This is because, when struck from behind, a motorcyclist’s tires are often lifted off the ground, dislodging the rider, and potentially throwing him or her off of the motorcycle or into another vehicle. Head injuries are common amongst motorcyclists who are involved in these types of accidents, as are facial fractures, broken collarbones, and internal injuries.
A Driver Opens a Vehicle’s Door in a Motorcycle’s Path
Dooring accidents occur when a vehicle is parked on the side of the road and the car’s occupant suddenly opens one of the doors into the path of a motorcyclist. These accidents often occur with no warning and so take place at high speeds, resulting in severe injuries for the motorcyclist. To help prevent these accidents, motorists should be sure to carefully check their surroundings before opening their doors and motorcyclists should always remain vigilant for signs of a driver in a parked vehicle.
Call Today to Set Up a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, you could be entitled to damages compensating you for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Please call the office of Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 today to learn more about how an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help with your case.
https://www.booneanddavislaw.com/road-rash-caused-by-motorcycle-accidents/
