Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Millions of people throughout the United States ride motorcycles as a way to get from place to place or simply for recreation. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle puts you at...

Millions of people throughout the United States ride motorcycles as a way to get from place to place or simply for recreation. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle puts you at significant risk of serious bodily injury in the event of an accident. Under state law, people who are injured in motorcycle accidents caused by others are often able to recover compensation for their accident-related losses, including their medical expenses, lost income, lost quality of life, and physical and emotional pain suffering.

 

Here are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents that often entitle victims to compensation. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case, you should speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles.

Driver Negligence

The negligence of other drivers is consistently among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States. While motorcyclists are harder for drivers to see because they take up less space than passenger vehicles, drivers still have a responsibility to drive safely around motorcycles and give them plenty of space. Some examples of driver negligence that can lead to motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Fatigued driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Improper vehicle maintenance
  • Failing to signal lane changes or turns

Poorly Maintained Roadways

Motorcycles are inherently less stable than passenger cars and trucks by virtue of the fact that they only have 2 points of contact with the ground. As a result, poor road maintenance can affect motorcyclists much more than other drivers and has the potential to cause serious injury-causing accidents. Some examples of hazards that could be the result of poor road maintenance include:

 

  • Potholes
  • Overgrown vegetation
  • Inadequate signage
  • Faded or missing lane markings
  • Unsafe speed limits
  • Unmarked construction zones
  • Shoulder drop-offs
  • Defective stoplights

 

If you have been injured in an accident involving a road hazard, you should be aware of the fact that you may need to file a claim against the governmental entity responsible for the maintenance of the road in question. Claims against the government have much shorter time limits than claims against private parties, so it’s imperative to talk to an attorney as soon as you can after an accident involving a road defect.

Defective Motorcycle Parts

Defective motorcycle parts like tires, brakes, lights, and steering mechanisms can also cause extremely serious accidents. When defective parts cause accidents, victims can often recover compensation from the part or motorcycle manufacturer.

Protecting Your Rights after a Motorcycle Accident

There are certain steps you can take after a motorcycle accident to protect your right to recover compensation. First, you should be sure to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you’re seriously injured. It is vital to have your injuries diagnosed and treated and to generate an official record of your injuries. Next, you should be sure to document as many details about your accident and recovery as you can. Be sure not to accept a settlement offer before talking to a lawyer, and call a personal injury attorney near you as soon as you can.

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