In less than a second, a motorcycle accident can cause brain trauma, broken bones and spinal injuries. No matter how safe you are in the saddle, all it takes is one drunk, distracted or negligent driver to cause a severe collision.
If you are like most riders, though, those dangers will not dissuade you from enjoying the open road. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing.
One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents is to learn the common causes of motorcycle collisions and how to avoid them. These four hazards are often the culprits behind motorcycle wrecks:
- Drunk drivers;
- Potholes and uneven road surfaces;
- Lane-splitting; and
- Drivers who follow too closely.
The vast majority of motorcycle crashes involve human error. If you were injured by a negligent driver while riding your motorcycle in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC.
Our attorneys have been protecting the rights of the injured for more than three decades. We will help you claim the maximum compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Call 800-537-8185 today to arrange a free consultation with a personal-injury attorney in Mobile.
Let’s take a closer look at four common causes of motorcycle wrecks:
Drunk Drivers
Alcohol impairs a person’s coordination, decision-making, and ability to judge speed and distance. All of these faculties are essential for safe driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drunk driving contributed to nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in 2014. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2013, motorcycle riders accounted for a higher percentage of alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities than any other vehicle type.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Potholes and Uneven Road Surfaces
Due to their two-wheeled structure, motorcycles cannot negotiate potholes and uneven road surfaces as well as passenger vehicles. As such, riders should avoid unfamiliar routes.
Lane-Splitting
The streets of Mobile see their fair share of congestion, which is why some commuters turn to motorcycles for their ability to skirt traffic. Lane-splitting is the practice of riding between two lanes in order to bypass slow vehicles.
Although lane-splitting is convenient, it can be deadly. Drivers may not expect a motorcyclist to approach from behind, and all it takes is one mistimed lane change to cause an accident.
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Drivers Who Follow Too Closely
According to the Washington Post, there are more than 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States every year. This is by far the most common type of accident.
Tailgating is a primary contributing factor in rear-end crashes. If you ride a motorcycle and a vehicle is following you too closely, then change lanes and let it pass.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. An auto accident lawyer in Mobile will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
