Common Motorcycle Crashes and How to Avoid Them

Riding out on the open highway is a freeing and beautiful feeling. It's that feeling that gets so many people to hop on a motorcycle, even though there may be inherent danger. The sad truth is that getting into an accident on a motorcycle is much more likely than getting into an accident in a car. Even worse, the chance of coming away unscathed from a motorcycle accident is practically zero. These injuries generally pull riders away from work for a while and wind up costing a bunch of money in medical bills and bike repairs.

That's not going to stop a true enthusiast, though. And it shouldn't. While motorcycles may be dangerous, there are many ways to stay safe. It's best to understand what the most common types of crashes are and how to avoid an accident yourself. Here, we'll go over some of the most common motorcycle crashes and how you can avoid them.

Cars Turning Left

This is the most common type of accident, accounting for almost half of all reported motorcycle accidents in the US. In this scenario, a person is on a motorcycle going straight and is hit by a car turning left. This is caused when there is a car in front of the motorcyclist, and the motorist ahead cannot see the motorcycle, resulting in an accident.

Biking defensively is the best way to avoid this, especially when going through intersections or anywhere a car might be turning left. Look both ways before proceeding and even try to make eye contact with the driver about to turn left. Remember, motorcycles aren't easy for people in cars to see, so it is always a good idea to take an abundance of caution.

Generally, the car will be at fault when it comes time for the insurance claim, but you still want to ensure that you have an experienced left turn accident lawyer.

Changing Lanes

This is another common accident that is caused by a lack of visibility. An accident while switching lanes occurs when one driver doesn't see another driver on the side of them and merges into them. This is especially common and dangerous on the highway.

The best way to avoid this is to make sure that you are in the blind spot of a driver for as little time as possible. If you must slow down, slow down. If you must speed up, speed up. If you are riding alongside a motorist, you want to make sure that you can see their face. This means they will be able to see you, too.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is illegal in 49 of 50 states, but many riders still do it. Although we don't condone this, if you're going to lane split, you want to be as safe as possible. Make sure you have enough room to get through the row of vehicles. It is best to execute a lane split while cars are stopped and on slower streets.

Head-on Collision

None of these scenarios are good, but a head-on collision is a nightmare. Often, head-on collisions are fatal for motorcyclists. Part of that is because most commonly, these accidents happen at high speeds. It is the type of accident that comes out of nowhere and offers no protection for the cyclist because of the weight and size of the car.

The best way to avoid a head-on collision is to follow some simple precautions. If you are on a two-lane road, ride as far to the right of your lane as possible. If things seem especially tight, slow down. And, if you are still uncomfortable, it can be best to pull off the road entirely until heavy traffic subsides.

If you have had a motorcycle accident and need an attorney, please contact Steelhorse Law today.