Driving or riding a motorcycle can seem exhilarating! However, motorcycle accidents are more serious than other types of crashes. They can result in deaths and severe injuries that may take time to heal. That is, if you ever recover. The injuries may also stick you with multiple medical payments.
It is also vital to note that motorcycle drivers also face unfair biases. Hence, the assumption is that they are to blame for car accidents. Many vehicle drivers assume that bikers are at fault after an accident. The surprise comes when they learn the truth after investigation. That is not to say that bikers are never to blame. Read on to find out who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents.
The Truth About Motorcycles and Auto Accidents
The fatality analysis reporting system by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in most motorcycle accidents, the fault is due to the vehicle driver. They may fail to see the motorcycle and end up causing the collision. Although this may be the top cause of motorcycle accidents, is it always the cause?
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Negligence by drivers of vehicles may be the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. However, other factors can cause crashes. They include:
Inexperienced Riders or Drivers
Not everyone who obtains a driver’s license is a safe driver. Many are either careless or do not have experience. Inexperienced riders and drivers do not have the knowledge to look out for motorcycles or other vehicles. As a result, they may crash into them as they try to negotiate a turn.
Left-Hand Turns
According to a report by the NHTSA, these turns are responsible for nearly half of all fatal motorcycle and vehicle accidents. It is usual that as a car is negotiating this turn, it may hit a motorcyclist, especially at intersections.
The reasons for these incidents include low visibility, distracted driving, and speeding. Traffic laws are clear; the person turning left must yield to other drivers with the right-of-way. Therefore, any driver who causes a motorcycle accident while negotiating this turn is at fault. However, bikers may also be at fault if they are speeding, in the wrong lane, or running a red light.
Lane Splitting
The practice refers to motorcyclists riding between two traffic lanes when there is slow or stationary traffic. Cars usually do not expect another vehicle to pass, and there is minimal room to maneuver. In such incidences, there is a good chance the motorcyclist is at fault.
Motorcyclist Behaviors
Motorcyclists may not have control over some factors that cause crashes. However, they have control over their behavior. Statistics show that; young male motorcyclists are willing to ignore safety features, traffic signals, and laws. It may result in a moving violation like speeding, running red lights, alcohol use, and not wearing helmets.
- Speeding: In a report from 2019, 33 percent of motorcyclists in fatal crashes were speeding.
- Alcohol use: It is dangerous to ride a motorcycle after drinking alcohol. According to a report from 2019 on fatal crashes, 30 percent were due to alcohol-impaired motorcyclists. The blood alcohol concentration was usually at 0.08 percent or higher.
- Not wearing helmets: It is one of the easy safety measures to take. However, some motorcyclists ignore them. A report by NHTSA states that out of 100 motorcyclists who die in fatal crashes, 37 would still be alive if they had a helmet.
Collisions
Collisions can be especially fatal for motorcyclists. Whether they collide with motor vehicles or fixed objects, motorcycles do not have the safety features that cars have. Therefore, collisions are almost always fatal.
Collisions Resulting in Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths
Cars have seat belts and airbags to protect front seat occupants. In some cases, there are additional airbags to protect the rear car occupants. However, motorcycles do not have the same features. Therefore, most of these collisions are fatal for motorcyclists. It is usually because of the unbalanced force involved. The head-on may also result in vehicle damage, injuries to pedestrians, and property damage.
Collisions With Fixed Objects
These are more severe than those between cars and motorcycles, unless a car occupant does not wear a seat belt. The consequences are usually property damage and sometimes injuries to pedestrians. They can also result in multiple deaths.
Bad Weather or Conditions
Sometimes crashes may be due to bad weather or road conditions. When the reason is unsafe roadways, the fault lies with the government authority responsible for road management.
How To Determine Fault
In the case of a motorcycle accident, the assumption is that the biker was careless and reckless. However, accidents are due to negligence, and the negligent driver is responsible or at fault. That is the long and short story. Therefore, if you are in an accident, you should seek compensation from the at-fault driver or authorities.
Filing A Claim With Your Insurance Company
You may not suffer total loss after an accident. You may be able to salvage some compensation from your insurance coverage. Therefore, contact your insurer immediately if you are involved in an accident. The insurance company may want to visit the accident scene to value the accident case. They may do this to establish liability and damage. However, you need to prove that there was negligence by the other driver.
On the part of the motor vehicle driver, it is vital to note that the claim does not include what was remaining of your car loan. Your car insurance policy will cover damage or the actual cash value of your car. The same coverage may also include damage to property and injuries to yourself or other road users.
Looking For A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer In California?
Look no further than Michael Alan Siddons, Esquire. Once you hire us, you will have access to the top firms. Our team will help to establish who is at fault. We will also ensure that you get a fair settlement.
You can visit our main office in Media, Pennsylvania. You can also call (610) 255-7500 to book an appointment today.
