In the United States, there are over eight million motorcycles on the road. That’s a lot of bikes, and the chances of getting into a crash with one are pretty high. But what’s the most common cause of these crashes? Is it distracted driving, speeding, or something else entirely?
The answer may surprise you: the most common cause of a crash between a car and a motorcycle is negligence by the car’s driver. In other words, the car driver didn’t see the motorcycle or didn’t yield the right of way when they should have.
This is a problem because motorcycles are much smaller than cars and are thus more difficult to see. They’re also less stable than cars, so they can be easily knocked over in a collision.
Read on for a more detailed look at common causes of motorcycle crashes and what our Connecticut car accident lawyers suggest you do if you’re involved in one.
Common Causes of a Crash Between a Car and a Motorcycle
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a car fails to yield the right of way. This can happen when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle or when a car changes lanes and doesn’t see the motorcycle.
About 35 percent of most fatal motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. This is because it’s easy for a car to cut off a motorcycle while making a turn.
For example, a car may turn left while a motorcycle is going straight through the intersection. If the car fails to yield to the motorcycle, it could result in a collision.
To avoid these types of accidents, drivers must be aware of their surroundings and yield to oncoming traffic when appropriate. Motorcyclists also need to be extra vigilant when approaching intersections, as they are often difficult for drivers to see.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant problem on our roads today. With the proliferation of smartphones and other devices, more and more drivers are taking their eyes off the road to look at their devices.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Shows that 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have enacted bans on texting while driving.
But even with these bans, distracted driving is still a significant problem. There are three types of driving distractions:
Cognitive Distractions
These distractions cause the driver’s thoughts to wander from the task of driving safely. Common cognitive distractions include talking to passengers, listening to music, or daydreaming.
While these activities may seem innocuous, they can take the driver’s attention away from the road and potentially lead to an accident. If you are engaged in any activity that takes your focus away from driving, pull over or stop until you can give your full attention to the task.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are hazardous as they cause the driver to take their hands off the wheel. Examples of manual distractions include eating or drinking, smoking, or adjusting the stereo or other vehicle controls.
Even something seemingly innocuous, like fumbling for a dropped object, can be enough to take a driver’s attention off the road and cause an accident.
In fact, according to one study, manual distractions were a factor in nearly 25% of distracted driving accidents. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the dangers of manual distractions and take steps to avoid them while driving.
Visual Distractions
It happens when drivers move their gaze away from the road to look at something else. Objects in the vehicle, like passengers or GPS gadgets, can be visual distractions. Also, external stimuli like billboards or other vehicles can be a distraction too.
While visual distractions can occur under any circumstances, they are particularly likely when drivers are tired or stressed. In addition to increasing the risk of accidents, visual distractions can lead to near-misses and close calls.
To help reduce the risks associated with distracted driving, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers of taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common negligent driving behaviors. Speeding increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes in the United States in 2020.
There are several reasons why speeding is so dangerous.
- First, speeding makes it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. This is particularly true on wet or icy roads, where traction is already reduced.
- Speeding increases the distance required to stop a vehicle. This means that if a driver needs to brake suddenly, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
- Finally, speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision. This can lead to severe or fatal injuries, even in relatively low-speed accidents.
If you are involved in a speeding accident, our Hartford car accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Alcohol Impairment
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. Alcohol impairment affects reaction time, judgment, and coordination. As a result, drunk drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. In some cases, you may be able to file a Dram shop claim against the business that served the drunk driver.
You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. Our car accident lawyer Connecticut has extensive experience handling DUI cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why the Cause of the Crash Matters
The cause of the crash can matter for several reasons. First, if one driver was engaged in negligent behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving, they may be liable for the accident. This means they would be responsible for paying damages to the other driver.
The cause of the crash can also affect insurance coverage. For example, if you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver, your insurance company may be more likely to cover your damages.
In some cases, such as hit-and-run accidents, the police may need to investigate to determine who was at fault.
You must speak with an experienced car accident lawyer if you have been involved in a car accident. Our experienced Hartford car accident lawyers can help you investigate the accident, determine who was at fault, and get the compensation you deserve.
The Type of Compensation Available for Injured Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They lack the protection of a vehicle around them and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what type of compensation is available to you.
The first step is consulting with a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
In many cases, compensation for motorcycle accident injuries can come from various sources, including the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your own insurance company, or even the driver themself.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also be able to claim lost earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, make sure you get the compensation you deserve by speaking to a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Get Help From Our Hartford Car Accident Lawyers
Negligence is the most common cause of car and motorcycle crashes. However, several other causes, including alcohol impairment and distracted driving, can contribute to these accidents.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our experienced Hartford car accident lawyers today. Our attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases, including those involving motorcycle accidents.
We can help you investigate the accident, determine who was at fault and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.