While motorcyclists have a reputation for being irresponsible drivers, the fact of the matter is that many motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists driving other vehicles. If not for their negligence, there might be far fewer motorcyclists who suffer injuries from otherwise preventable accidents. But how exactly do other negligent drivers cause motorcycle accidents?
- Speeding
- One of the most common issues in motorcycle accidents, and indeed in motor vehicle accidents of all types, is speeding. This is because the faster a vehicle moves, the less likely it is to be able to stop or maneuver to avoid an accident. In addition, the faster a vehicle is going at the time of a crash, the more severe the injuries are likely to be, increasing the chances of long-term injury or death.
- Intoxicated driving
- Intoxicated drivers are also commonly involved in motorcycle accidents, with nearly a third of all accidents involving someone under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (also known as DUI) can severely impair judgment, reaction time, coordination, and motor control. This makes accidents more likely to happen, and increases the risks of severe injuries when they happen.
- Impaired visibility
- Often, when other drivers get into accidents with motorcyclists, they claim they could not see the motorcycle before the accident. This is often due to external factors like bad weather or physical obstructions, but it can also be simply the result of driving at night. The worse the visibility is, the more likely it is for motorcycle accidents to happen.
- Failing to pay attention
- Even when a driver is visible, however, that does not mean that drivers are always paying adequate attention. Motorcycles, sadly, often go below other drivers’ notice due to being smaller than other vehicles, and sometimes drivers fail to notice they were even there in the first place. Intersections are known to be especially dangerous, with left turns accounting for a disproportionately high number of motorcycle accidents due to lack of visibility.
- Maintenance failures
- Maintaining a vehicle is often expensive and difficult, which is why people often put it off until the last minute. However, by doing so, they increase the risks of a serious mechanical failure that can make accidents more likely. In the most extreme cases, they may lose control of their vehicle entirely, and become entirely unable to prevent an accident.
The personal injury attorneys at David J. Lorber & Associates, PLLC will work with you to help you get justice for you or your loved ones who were hurt by someone else’s negligence. For comprehensive personal injury law services in New York, call David J. Lorber & Associates, PLLC at (631) 750-0900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Setauket office.
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