Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports that in Ohio in 2013, there were 3,870 motorcycles involved in crashes throughout the state. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents aren’t an unusual occurrence in the state of Iowa. Out of the 3,870 accidents, motorcyclists were at fault 54.9 percent of the time.

Other drivers were at fault 35.6 percent of the time. In 5.7 percent of crashes, an animal was to blame. The following reviews some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Drunk or Impaired Riding and Driving

Alcohol plays a significant role in the number of motorcycle crashes each year in the state. For both drivers of motor vehicles and motorcyclists, alcohol causes impairment, and can result in an accident that causes serious injuries.

In Ohio in 2013, eight percent of all motorcyclists involved in crashes were alcohol impaired at the time of the collision. However, motorcyclist intoxication played a role in 25.5 percent of motorcyclist fatalities.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Unsafe road conditions can also lead to motorcycle crashes.

• When road signs are not present or accurate
• When the road is damaged and has not been repaired
• When there is an object or an animal in the road

Encountering an unforeseen obstacle in the road can cause a skid and probable crash. Burn injuries are more common than most riders think and they happen often when the bike slides out from under the driver, putting one’s leg in contact with a hot exhaust pipe.

Illegal Turning

When cars make unlawful or unsafe turns, motorcyclists are endangered. Perhaps the most dangerous type of turn—and the primary cause of motorcycle accidents—is a vehicle failing to yield to a rider when making a left-hand turn in an intersection. The car may strike the motorist when the motorist is going straight through the intersection, leading to severe injuries.

Regarding turning, a motorcyclist may also cause an accident by taking a turn too fast or too aggressively.

Driver Aggression

Cars may attempt to overtake or pass motorcyclists. And sometimes, vehicle drivers become frustrated. When this happens, aggression can set in. Driver aggression can contribute to the likelihood of a motorcycle accident occurring.

Who’s liable for a motorcycle accident?

Following a vehicle accident, a motorcyclist can recover damages by proving the fault of the other driver. If the other driver was doing something negligent or dangerous at the time of the accident, then they may be to blame. A motorcyclist should file a claim with his or her insurance company, or submit a personal injury lawsuit if gross negligence occurred, or if injuries are particularly severe.

At Bressman Law, we hope that you’re always safe while riding. You can reduce your risk of harm if you are in an accident by always wearing a helmet. If you are in an accident and are injured, make sure you call us for a free case consultation. You can reach us at 866-777-6680.