Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The smaller size of a motorcycle – combined with its lack of external protection and two-wheel design – makes bikers incredibly vulnerable to serious injury or even wrongful death in the event of a motorcycle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatality is 27 times more likely to occur within motorcycle accidents when compared to car accidents.

Although motorcyclists are responsible for staying as safe as possible on the open road, the unfortunate truth is that many responsible bikers are injured because of another driver’s recklessness or negligence, road hazards, and/or road instability.

If you have suffered a serious injury or if your loved one has died in a motorcycle accident, please call us today at 760.804.2790 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Oceanside motorcycle accident lawyers.

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Other Drivers

The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the inattention of another driver. Some of the factors involved in these accidents include:

• Failure to see the motorcycle – Drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks often fail to see a motorcycle in heavy traffic, causing them to violate the biker’s right-of-way. Busy intersections are a location where a large number of such accidents occur when other drivers do not see the motorcycle approaching.
• Misjudged following distance – In many cases, other drivers fail to keep an appropriate following distance behind a motorcycle, resulting in a rear-end accident. This type of accident may be minor for a passenger vehicle, but it can easily throw a rider from their bike, or force the motorcycle into oncoming traffic at an intersection.
• Parked cars – On busy streets, drivers and passengers often open parked car doors without checking for oncoming traffic, causing motorcyclists to collide with the open door.

It is important to note that a vehicle does not necessarily have to collide with a motorcycle in order for the driver to be considered at fault for the accident. Many motorcycle wrecks occur when a biker tries to avoid someone else’s reckless driving. For example, if a motorcyclist is forced to turn too quickly or too sharply because another driver cut them off, they can hold that driver responsible for any injuries suffered in an accident.

Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Road hazards and obstructions cause at least 25% of motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you can prove that these hazards were known about and neglected by local transportation authorities, you can potentially hold them responsible for your injuries and losses.

Additionally, many motorcycle accidents are caused by defective components within the motorcycle itself. In these cases, the manufacturer or even seller of the motorcycle may be liable.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the San Diego area, please contact The Rubinstein Law Group today or call 760.804.2790 today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys. We can help you fight for the justice and fair compensation you deserve.

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