Riding a motorcycle can be fun but extremely dangerous. Most motorcycle accidents happen because drivers only see fellow drivers, not motorcycle riders. Overspeeding, improper use of the lanes, and taking poor turns are also leading causes of motorcycle crashes. Knowing the common motorcycle accidents can help you ride safely. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a serious motorcycle accident, our personal injury lawyers in Pittsburgh can take follow-up on the case as you recover.
1. Head-on collisions
Distracted driving, fatigue, drunk driving, mechanical failures, risky overtaking, overspeeding, and environmental factors are the leading causes of head-on motorcycle accidents. These are fatal motorcycle accidents because a bike does not have a seatbelt, airbags, or crimple zones to shield the rider from the crash’s impact. Ten percent of all fatal road accidents involve head-on collisions, with the victim likely to suffer from broken bones, amputation, traumatic brain injuries, skull fracture, spinal cord injuries, full body paralysis, internal bleeding, and organ compression, among other symptoms. The impact of the collision can also dislodge the rider from their seat and ram into the vehicle or cause you to fall, increasing the risk of being run over.
To avoid head-on collisions, observe the following precautions:
- Don’t Overspeed.
- Don’t overtake on blind curves or winding roads.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Do not cross the centerline.
- Slow down in poor weather.
- Pay attention to drivers in distress and give them the way.
- Be careful when overtaking.
2. Rear-end collision
Read-enders involving motorcycles can be fatal. When a vehicle rams into a bike from the rear end, it can cause severe injuries to the rider and total damage to the motorcycle. Distracted driving and overspeeding are the leading causes of this motorcycle accident. It can also happen during lane switching or due to the driver’s negligence. Most of the time, the trailing driver is the one at fault. Rear-enders can flip the motorcycle and cause the rider to crash in front of the vehicle or between two cars.
To protect yourself from rear-end motorcycle crashes, ensure sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front for safe braking, drive defensively, wear reflective riding gear, and be careful when approaching crossings. Were you involved in a rear-end motorcycle crash in Pittsburgh? Call a motorcycle accident lawyer for immediate follow-up and save your evidence.
3. Lane switching
It is normal for motorcycles to share lanes with vehicles. This technique is excellent for riders’ safety as it cushions them from read-end crashes. However, this safety net could be within the driver’s blind spot. The comfort causes the person riding a motorcycle to be comfortable, sometimes reducing their response times during accidental lane changes by other cars.
To avoid blind-spot motorcycle accidents when sharing lanes, ensure that the driver can always see you. When sharing lanes with large vehicles, maintain a safe distance and drive defensively. Furthermore, talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney for a case evaluation.
4. Left turn accidents
Many riders ram into cars as they try to overtake a left-hand turning car. This type of accident is common at intersections. Forty-two percent of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections.
To avoid this type of motorcycle accident, train yourself to anticipate the move the driver in front is likely to make at all times. Do not ride blindly. Slow down as you approach intersections, and give way to any cars switching lanes or waiting at intersections.
5. Lane splitting accident
Motorcycle rider lane split to save time and beat traffic. Riding between traffic streams is common during rush hour when there is traffic congestion. While this riding technique reduces the chances of rear-end and head-on motorcycle crashes, lane-splitting motorcycle accidents are among the most complex to solve. Also called “stripe-riding” or “white lining,” drivers may not easily see the motorcycle rider. The space between two lanes may be insufficient for safe riding, increasing the chances of a motorcycle crash, especially by inexperienced riders.
Observe the speed limit and increase your visibility when driving between lanes. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can increase your chances of winning a lane-splitting motorcycle accident claim.
6. Overspeeding
Overspeeding is a common cause of collisions on the road, especially among riders younger than 24 years. A rider who is late for work or testing their speed limit is likely to ram into an oncoming car or other objects, a turning car, a stalled car, or even roll over. Speeding makes it hard to break in time or respond to an emergency from the car ahead.
To avoid overspeeding crashes, ride slowly and carefully.
7. Corner turning
Many things happen on road corners. A driver can decide to lane split, colliding with an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers can lose control of speeding vehicles at a corner, and you can quickly enter a blind spot. All these put you at risk as a rider.
Victim of motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh? Contact our motorcycle accident law firm for help
Motorcycle helmets and protective gear can save you from life-threatening brain injuries and death in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, you need an attorney to help you get your deserved compensation. Motorcycle crashes can leave riders with serious injuries, including permanent disabilities and paralysis, internal injuries, and even wrongful death. Proving the at-fault party in motorcycle accidents is not always straightforward, and the evidence can disappear in just a few days.
Frischman & Rizza personal injury law firm in Pittsburgh can help you with your motorcycle accident claim. We will gather all the evidence you need to prove your case and ensure you get proper compensation for your injuries, property loss, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Call (412) 291-9377 for a free consultation today.
