After recovering from a motorcycle accident, many riders want to know what caused it. It can be difficult to ascertain the answer because crashes happen for various reasons.
Here is a Compilation of the 13 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents.
1. Motorcycle Rider Error
In about 50% of motorcycle accidents, rider error is the most common cause. This error can lead to many crashes and mishaps. From running into a car or falling from a motorcycle to colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
2. Traffic Defects
Traffic defects can cause motorcycle accidents. Examples include poor road maintenance (such as potholes), road debris (such as broken glass), and abrupt changes in road conditions (such as dirt patches). Traffic defects can lead to minor skids and spill serious crashes and multi-vehicle pile-ups.
3. Car/Motorcycle Interaction
These crashes are the third major cause of motorcycle accidents. Examples include car doors opening into the path of a motorcycle, cars pulling out in front of a motorcycle, and cars turning left in front of a motorcycle.
4. Car Driver Behavior
About 20% of these accidents are caused by drivers in other vehicles who aren’t paying enough attention or making poor decisions. Examples include following too closely, not yielding to a motorcyclist’s right-of-way, and driving above the speed limit.
5. Speeding
Speeding is another cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists who are speeding and those who are driving too fast for the existing road conditions are more likely to be involved in a crash. Particularly, if they are unprepared for a sudden change in road or weather conditions.
6. Alcohol and Drugs
About 10% of motorcycle accidents involve alcohol or drugs—either by motorcyclists or drivers in other vehicles. In many cases, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs also engage in other reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and cellphone use while driving.
7. Trailers
Trailers are involved in about 5% of motorcycle crashes, many of which involve a driver who is distracted by them. Examples of distractions include trailer brakes that do not activate, tailgating trailers, and trying to operate a trailer jack.
8. Collisions with Fixed Objects
About 5% of motorcycle crash victims are struck by vehicles or other objects that have been fixed in place. Examples include billboards that have become dislodged or fallen on the road.
9. Collisions with Other Motorcycles
About 5% of motorcycle crashes involve an accident between two or more motorcycles. In these collisions, both the drivers and their passengers are at risk of serious injury.
10. Collisions with Animals
About 10% of motorcycle crashes involve animals. An animal can be a deer, cow, or another large mammal struck by a motorcycle. Injuries in these collisions are usually serious, though some minor ones are expected.
11. Communication Breakdown
Communication breakdowns between drivers and bikers can lead to accidents that you could have avoided. Examples include failing to yield the right-of-way, driving too fast, and tailgating too close.
12. Careless or Inattentive Motorists
The most common cause is careless or inattentive motorists. Examples include drivers who fail to look out for motorcycles, especially when turning left, and who are on their cellphones or otherwise distracted.
13. Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects are rare contributors to motorcycle crashes and injuries, but they can be serious if they do occur. A defect may cause the motorcycle to unexpectedly swerve or shut down while traveling at high speeds—potentially causing a crash or serious injury.
Contact Professional Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call us or schedule your free consultation online to discuss your case with a motorcycle accident attorney. You could be entitled to more than you realize if you have suffered serious motorcycle accident injuries.
