Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents And What You Can Do After

Although motorcycle accidents may be less common than car accidents, the consequences can be devastating. Various surveys and studies have demonstrated the fatal repercussions of motorcycle accidents. 

 

In the vast majority of motorcycle accident cases, the motorcycle collides with another vehicle. Roughly 1/4th of accidents occur when motorcyclists collide with a fixed object on the street, and barely 3% of accidents result from some sort of mechanical failure. 

 

Apart from injuries and vehicle damages, many motorcycle accident victims may also face financial troubles. These can include lost wages and hefty medical bills for long-term treatment. 

 

Emotional issues may also arise from this pain and suffering.

 

But if you have already become a victim of a motorcycle accident, It’s vital to understand what can be done in these cases. Thus, reaching out to a personal injury attorney who has ample experience in cases involving motorcycle accidents may be a good idea.

 

Moreover, motorists and motorcyclists are better prepared if they understand:

 

1. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents; and
2. What can be done following such motorcycle accident

 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

 

1. Distracted driving 

 

This is one of the most common and significant reasons for motorcycle accidents. Distracted driving refers to those drivers who don't concentrate on their driving, the roads or other vehicles as they should. 

 

Multiple distractions may lead to motorcycle accidents on the road:

 

• Checking mobile phones

• Talking 

• Grooming

• Eating

• Adjusting GPS devices while driving

• Texting

• Looking at the surroundings

• Drunk driving

• Tending to children

 

All of the above distractions make drivers more prone to auto accidents. Drivers should ensure that they are fully focused on the act of driving at all times, and not distracted. These distractions can lead to fatal accidents.

 

       2. Not obeying traffic laws

 

Traffic violations happen every day, and some are more excessive than others. Such violations are not exclusive to motorcyclists, but rather occur among all vehicle drivers, including drivers of cars, trucks, and other automobiles. 

 

Pedestrians foten ignore traffic rules as well. Road accidents due to people ignoring traffic rules have led to many serious accidents. Sadly, many fatalities result from disobeying traffic laws. 

 

These violations include, but are not limited to: 

 

• Excessive speeding

• Improper or wrong turns

• Following another vehicle too closely

• Running stop lights or stop signs

• Failure to yield

 

Motorcycle drivers or passengers are not the only ones who get hurt when traffic rules are disobeyed. You can get hurt even if you are not driving. If someone else is driving rashly, or not following traffic rules, you are at risk. If you get injured due to a negligent motorcyclist, you may benefit from seeking legal assistance. 

 

A motorcycle accident attorney helps individuals who have suffered personal injuries due to motorcycle accidents. These legal professionals can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and suffering. 

 

Furthemore, If you suspect that the driver was drunk, make sure you tell the police. 

 

      3.   Faulty motorcycles

 

There are many hidden defects in motorcycles. These may affect the fuel engine, the shape of the tires, steering mechanisms, and more. In many cases, motorcyclists do not notice these defects until something happens. In other cases, drivers do notice defects, such as poor air pressure and noisy engines, but ignore them anyway.

 

If you suffer an accident due to a defect, you may have a claim against the vehicle manufacturer. A discussion with an attorney can help you understand if you have a case.

 

      4.   Lack of sufficient road maintenance

 

Insufficient road maintenance can vary, including: overgrown vegetation, potholes, faded paint, inadequate signage, excessive gravel, poor drainage, broken stop lights, and more. If you are harmed while on public property, you may have a claim. A motorcycle accident attorney can explain the legal rules and legal actions at your disposal. 

 

Clearly, motorcycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. If you are facing pain and suffering, injuries, financial problems, and/or emotional and psychological distress, you may have a case. 

 

Feel free to consult an experienced personal injury attorney about what happened.

 

What You Can Do After a Motorcycle Accident

 

Following an accident, calling the police and seeking medical help are the two most important steps you can take. Typically, it is wise to board an ambulance for the hospital. However, if you can do so without risking your life or other people's lives, jot down the vehicle numbers involved, take photos or videos of the accident site, and talk to eyewitnesses.  

 

Even if you don’t feel hurt at the time, injuries may emerge days, weeks and even months in the future. You may be hit with substantial medical bills, lost wages, and other problems with daily living. 

 

So don’t take anything for granted. It is wise to consult with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney as soon as you are medically able to do so. At the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman, we are prepared to help. Give us a call today.