Common Motorcycle-Vehicle Accident Causes

Although many of us think of motorcycle accidents as primarily the result of losing control in the rain, or taking curves too sharply, the reality is that many motorcycle collisions can actually be chalked up to the negligence of other drivers. To ensure that the motorist responsible for your own motorcycle accident is held accountable for his or her carelessness in causing your crash, please contact our dedicated motorcycle accident legal team today.

Changing Lanes

While it is true that most motorcycle accidents occur in intersections, a surprising number are the result of improper lane changes by other motorists. Distracted driving, failing to use turn signals, and even day dreaming can cause a driver to drift into another lane or otherwise change lanes without warning. Checking one’s mirrors to see if you are visible to another driver is one of the best precautionary measures that motorcycle riders can take to avoid this type of collision.

Rear-End Collisions

Distracted driving does not only play a role in improper lane change accidents, but is also the cause of most rear-end collisions. Whether a driver looks down at his or her phone, takes the opportunity posed by a red light to change the station, or is busy wrangling children in the back seat, failing to pay attention to the road can have deadly consequences for motorcyclists. This is due to the fact that, while a rear-end collision between two vehicles might only qualify as a fender bender, a similar crash between a vehicle and a motorcycle could result in the rider flipping over the top of the motorcycle or being thrown onto the vehicle’s hood, both of which can cause serious injuries to the much less protected rider. Creating one’s own crumple zone by pulling over to the outer limit of the lane in which you are riding, preferably toward the shoulder, can help prevent this kind of crash.

Dooring Accidents

Another common type of motorcycle-vehicle collision involves dooring, in which a driver whose vehicle is parked on the side of the road suddenly swings the door open, striking an unsuspecting motorcyclist who is riding closer to the right side of the lane. Although drivers are directed to take care when entering and exiting vehicles that are parked on the road, many fail to do so, which can have serious consequences for approaching motorists. Refraining from driving on this part of the road can help motorcyclists avoid this kind of crash. If doing so is necessary, however, riders should remember to drive at low speeds and to remain vigilant for signs of activity inside nearby parked cars.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

Unfortunately, no matter how careful we are when driving, someone else’s momentary lapse of care could result in a serious accident, leaving us to pick up the pieces. If this happened to you or a loved one, please contact the dedicated Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys at Boone & Davis by calling 954-566-9919 today to learn more about how we can help.