You live for the excitement of the open road, but your family lives in terror of receiving a phone call informing them that you have been in an accident. It’s more prevalent than you think; the Federal Highway Administration records hundreds of motorcycle accidents each month. And when you’re riding a motorcycle, an accident that a driver could ignore might easily be fatal.
This is especially true in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where motorcyclists are not covered by the same no-fault insurance regulations that protect vehicle drivers. Although it may appear peculiar, Michigan law does not describe a motorcycle as a “motor vehicle” in the same way that the no-fault legislation does.
This puts riders at a higher legal risk. This is in addition to the physical risks involved in riding a motorcycle. As a result, anyone engaged in a motorcycle accident must immediately seek the advice of an experienced Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer.
Here are some of the most common factors behind motorcycle accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents because it reduces the rider’s ability to react to sudden hazards like vehicles, pedestrians, or road debris. At higher speeds, it takes longer to stop and harder to maintain control, especially around curves or in bad weather.
Motorcycles are already less stable than cars, and excessive speed increases the chances of skidding or losing control.
Speeding also limits the time other drivers have to see and respond to a motorcycle.
Combined, these risks make speeding one of the most dangerous behaviors for motorcyclists and a leading cause of serious or fatal crashes.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a common behavior among motorcycle riders, and it puts them in danger.
Imagine this.
You ride your motorcycle to work. As usual, your morning route is congested, and you’ll be late if you have to stop and go for an extended time.
You decide to take advantage of the fact that your motorcycle can squeeze into tight locations. You weave between automobiles, occasionally riding right along the lane line. The drivers around you are frustrated, but you are finally making excellent time.
This is lane splitting, which is banned in most states. Supporters argue that this allows motorcycles to relieve some traffic congestion by passing through traffic more quickly, as well as keeping motorcyclists out of dangerous rear-end collisions that might occur in stop-and-go traffic. Opponents argue that it puts motorcyclists in much greater danger.
When you lane split, you pay less attention to the automobiles surrounding you. And the cars surrounding you aren’t expecting a motorcycle to ride up next to them. This puts you at risk of serious injury if a car changes lanes and fails to spot you.
Drunk Driving
Another driver may be intoxicated or on drugs, resulting in a motorcycle collision. Drunk drivers have poor judgment and coordination, which increases the likelihood of accidents. If you believe the other motorist was intoxicated and caused your injuries, notify the authorities when they arrive.
Distracted Driving
As cell phones and tablets have risen in popularity, distracted driving has become a more serious issue than ever. Drivers may read text messages or view videos while driving. An accident can be caused by as little as a second or two of inattention. The driver can veer into oncoming traffic or run a red light. A motorcycle approaching may be involved in a tragic collision due to the other driver’s distraction.
If inattentive driving was a component of your accident, you should consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer. One piece of evidence could be the driver’s cell phone records, which show they were on the phone at the time of the accident.
Following Too Closely
Following too closely is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles have shorter stopping distances due to their smaller size and less weight. A driver who follows too closely may not be able to stop in time, resulting in a rear-end disaster. A rear-end accident might result in significant injuries or even death for the rider.
To Sum Up
Knowing the most prevalent causes of motorcycle accidents will help you keep alert and safe on the road. Despite taking all necessary measures, you might still be injured in a motorcycle accident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an expert motorcycle accident lawyer. Allow them to manage your case and negotiate with the insurance company while you focus on recovery.