It is known that all vehicles have some potential to be dangerous, but motorcycles can be more hazardous if involved in an accident. You have little to no protection, and are very vulnerable to the road injuring not only your bike, but yourself in very serious and permanent ways. Since motorcyclists often take little precaution when switching lanes and taking risks, car drivers usually do not know how to drive safely around them.
Head on Collisions
The most common type of motorcycle accident is the head on collision. They are among the most dangerous and severe accident that a motorcyclist can be involved in. The bike cannot protect them, even if they are wearing a helmet and other appr opriate road gear. Head on collisions usually occur when a car driver runs into the front of the motorcycle because they were distracted or fail to see the motorcycle. Often it is found that the car driver was intoxicated at the time and swerved to avoid an obstacle and hit the motorcyclist in the process.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. This is when a motorcyclist rides alongside cars on the edge of the lane. This is hazardous because it leaves very little room for the car to maneuver, and puts both of the vehicles in very close distance to each other. A lot of times, the car driver is not expecting the motorcyclist to do this, and swerves to get out of the way, causing an accident. Many state jurisdictions ban this and others often treat it on a case by case basis. If you were involved in an accident while lane splitting, seeking legal counsel should be your top priority to help clear you of fault.
Collisions with Objects
About 25% of all motorcycle accidents happen when the motorcyclist runs into an object that is not moving. The motorcyclist is usually inebriated, avoiding hitting something else, or cannot see the hazard because they are unmarked (like debris from a construction project) when this occurs. If you have run into debris from a construction project that was unmarked and your motorcycle was involved in an accident because of this, the construction company can be held liable and all you compensation for damages done to you and your bike.
Road Hazards
Potholes, slippery roads, driving during the rain and driving over glass are much more dangerous road hazards to motorcyclists than car drivers. The accidents that result from this tend to be extremely lethal for motorcyclists who do not wear protective gear. However, riders who watch these hazards and take precaution can greatly reduce their likelihood of getting involved in an accident. Staying calm and observing the road at all times can help with this. In the event you or a loved one was involved in an accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Dekalb County GA relies on to take proper steps in your case.
Thank you to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for providing their insight on motorcycle accidents and authoring this piece.