Motorcyclists often receive a bad reputation for being reckless, which leads others to believe that motorcyclists are always at fault for any accidents in which they are involved. That is not the case, however. Motorcycle riders love to ride, and they place great value on their lives and safety. Motorcyclists are conscious of the dangers of riding and do their best to stay safe on the road.
Unfortunately, even the safest rider may not be able to prevent an accident. Motorcycle accidents can often end in tragedy or life-altering injuries because motorcycles do not offer the same protection as other motor vehicles. To build a strong case that can help you recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you should consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Negligent Driving Behaviors That Put Motorcyclists at Risk
In 2019, the NHTSA reported that motorcyclists are twenty-nine times more likely to suffer a fatality in a motor vehicle collision than occupants of other motor vehicles. The most common cause of motorcycle collisions is the negligence of a driver. Many people perceive motorcycle riders as the ones who create dangerous conditions on the road, but motorcyclists are vulnerable to motor vehicles, in reality. Below are four common negligent driving behaviors that put motorcyclists at risk:
Distracted Driving
There is an endless possibility of distractions for a driver. Such distractions could include their phone, kids in the back seat, or eating while driving. It is challenging to get drivers to focus solely on the road, which puts motorcyclists at risk. That split second of distraction could cause a driver to miss a motorcyclist turning a corner or switching lanes, resulting in a collision.
Failing to Obey Traffic Regulations
A motorcyclist must remain aware and drive defensively to have enough time to respond when another vehicle disobeys a traffic rule. In most cases, a motorcyclist cannot avoid a crash when the other driver exercises unexpected negligence, such as running a red light or failing to use a turn signal.
Tailgating
During congested traffic hours, a behavior that leads to collisions, often resulting in fatalities, is tailgating. Even at a low speed, a collision caused by tailgating will push a motorcycle from underneath the rider, potentially throwing the rider off his bike. A rider ejected from their bike might land on the road or in traffic, which is extremely dangerous for the rider.
Aggressive Maneuvers
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to aggressive maneuvers. A simple bump or sudden stop can cause the rider to lose both the balance and control of their bike. Someone aggressively passing or cutting off the motorcyclists can lead to the rider losing control. A rider that loses control off of their bike can crash into nearby objects or vehicles. An aggressive maneuver can also eject the rider from their bike or cause the ride to slide into the road at high speeds.
Get Help after a Motorcycle Accident from the Attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has a team of motorcycle accident lawyers with extensive experience helping clients in Southern Pennsylvania pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
Suffering from injuries after a motorcycle accident can alter a victim’s way of life and leave them on a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one have suffered from a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with your claim. With over sixty-five years of experience helping clients receive fair and just compensation, our award-winning legal team is proud to provide our clients with personalized service and legal counsel. To schedule a free consultation, you can fill out our contact form or call (215) 822-7575.
