7 Common Motorcycle Accidents and Caution to Avoid Them

Motorcycle rides are real fun on highways. The motorcycle cuts through the strong wind and rushes ahead, only to disappear around the corner in a few seconds. Motorcycle rides always come with a sense of freedom, but the risks always lurk behind. Not only adventurers, but also common motorcycle riders, take rides along roadways. In any case, the risk of motorcycle accidents hovers over the heads of the riders and pillions. Motorcycle accidents leave the passengers at high risk, as they are the most vulnerable on the roads at the time of the accident.  

Accidents can change a motorcycle rider’s life in an instant. The crash happens due to road hazards and poor visibility in most cases. Motorcycle accidents also don’t occur if car or other motor vehicle drivers see motorcyclists and maintain a safe distance. According to a 2023 study, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a car crash and 5 times more likely to be injured than car drivers and occupants.  Not all motorcycle riders are bad or irresponsible. A safe motorcycle ride takes balance, coordination, and proper judgment. The absence of metal shells exposes riders more to road risks. The accident leaves the victims with severe physical injuries, mental trauma, and high medical bills. 

Understanding the most common motorcycle accidents and following the safety measures play a key role in avoiding accidents. From poor road conditions to left-turn collisions at intersections, riders can avoid accidents with high awareness and defensive riding.   

Again, accidents are accidents. Accidents can occur even when it’s not the rider’s fault. At that time, you need the assistance of a personal injury attorney to protect your personal injury rights. Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm stand at the forefront to assist you with unbeatable legal backup. Our attorneys help you learn more about your personal injury rights and whether you deserve compensation for your losses. 

The blog discusses the seven most common types of motorcycle accidents and offers you insights on how to avoid them. 

1. Speeding 

When a motorcycle rider speeds up on the road, it puts everyone around in danger. Riding motorcycles faster than the standard speed makes it difficult for the vehicle to handle the motion. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 29% of the motor vehicle-related accidents and fatalities in the last year involved speed. Around 34% of motorcyclists are involved in fatal accidents due to speeding. The riders between 25 and 29 are most likely to get involved in fatal crashes, where speeding was involved. 

When a crash takes place due to high speed, the front wheel or handlebars of the motorcycle shake uncontrollably. In most cases, the reasons include mechanical error or lopsided weight distribution. If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another vehicle’s high speed, consult the motorcycle accident lawyers to seek the best legal advice. 

How to Avoid: 

Motorcycle riders need to adjust their vehicle speed according to the road conditions, weather conditions, and the movements of other vehicles around them. A responsible rider understands that it’s better to arrive at the destination safely than early. You can follow the riding safety tips on the roadways to achieve better control over your vehicle. You can drive with confidence on the road and avoid accidents. Some of the tips include – 

• See through the turn to where you would move.
• Push the handlebars gently in the direction you want to take a turn.
• Accelerate gently through the turn.
• Keep your body loose.

2. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 

Another major cause of motorcycle accidents is riding under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substance. It affects the driver’s reflex to react to hazards when driving. The chances of motorcycle accidents increase when alcohol is involved in the journey. According to NHTSA, 26% of motorcycle riders who were killed in an accident were drunk when driving. 

It needs complete focus and the ability to react fast to have a safe ride. Alcohol or drug consumption impairs the ability. Besides, some prescription or over-the-counter medications also hinder the driver’s ability to ride the vehicle safely.  Slow reactions to the movements of other vehicles or unpredictable riding may result in crashes.

How to Avoid: 

Do not drink and ride. Alcohol or any intoxicating substance disturbs and delays your judgment behind the wheel. When you go for a drink, make sure to take a safe ride option when returning home. Or, wait until you are entirely out of the influence. When you are not fully focused, it is best not to ride a bike. On the other hand, be cautious when riding near bars, at night, or on holidays so you can save yourself from another drunk rider or car driver. 

3. Distracted Driving   

One of the major causes of motorcycle accidents is distraction. But, in this kind of accident, the fault is not of the motorcycle rider but of the car driver. When a car driver is busy texting, eating snacks, chatting with co-passengers, changing the radio station, or simply not paying attention. Motorcycles are often overlooked by other motor vehicles on the roadways due to their smaller size. 

Motorcyclists often fall victim to accidents when car drivers suddenly change lanes, fail to yield, or follow them too closely. A motorcycle crash happens not only due to the irresponsible act of the motorcycle rider, but other motor vehicle drivers are also responsible for this. 

How to Avoid: 

As a motorcycle rider, you need to adopt a defensive mindset when riding on the roadways. Avoid blind spots, wear bright colored clothes or reflective gear for better visibility. Ride assuming other drivers can’t see you, and take measures that way. Turn on headlights even during the day and position clearly in the lane to reduce the risk of accidents. Stay alert and be ready to defend against the mistakes of others. Unfortunately, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s fault, connect with our motorcycle accident attorneys for the best legal assistance.  

4. Sudden Lane Changes 

For instance, a motorcycle rider is moving forward with their vehicle in traffic, maintaining the speed limit and a safe distance. At that time, a car suddenly changes lanes and moves into yours and hits you. The car driver may have checked the mirror but couldn’t notice you in their blind spots, or they may not have looked at all. These kinds of accidents are severe and can cause life-threatening injuries to the motorcyclists. 

How to Avoid: 

Don’t stay in blind spots near the car or other large motor vehicles. Use your horn, flash your motorcycle lights, and adjust your position to signal to other vehicle drivers that you are present. Look for signs that a driver may change lanes, like checking the mirror. Maintain a safe distance so that even if the car drifts a little within the lane, there is a gap in traffic.

5. Head-On Collisions 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, approximately 75% of motorcycle accidents result from head-on collisions. Motorcycle accidents often involve another vehicle. Drivers of other private and commercial vehicles often miss the sight of motorcycles on the road. Reasons include distractions, drowsiness, intent to beat a red light, overspeed, or attempting to pass on a two-lane highway. 

How to Avoid: 

A state like Florida witnesses more head-on collisions than rear-end crashes when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Clear visibility, proper eye contact, clear signals, and the correct positions can reduce the chances of motorcycle accidents. You must ride defensively with situational awareness to save yourself. Be ready to react to any situation with quick position and speed adjustments. Don’t take the blind spots, and be alert when another car changes lanes. 

6. Left-handed Turns 

Left-turn collisions are among the most common yet dangerous types of motorcycle accident cases. When a car fails to signal a moving motorcycle when turning left at an intersection. In most cases, drivers fail to see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed. The high speed of the cars often makes the collisions fatal to the riders. The primary reason behind motorcycle crashes involving left-turning cars is driver inattentiveness. Drivers mostly look for other cars, not motorcycles, while turning left. According to NHTSA, 42% of motorcycle crashes occurred in the recent year due to the car taking a left-handed turn. 

How to Avoid: 

Slow down your vehicle at intersections, even when you have a safe way to travel. Keep eye contact with drivers when needed and maneuver if the car begins to turn. Use headlights or reflective gear to increase visibility, as that remains one of the primary reasons behind motorcycle accidents. Following a defensive motorcycle ride is the key to safety. Follow the tips to avoid a car crash with a left-turning car or motor vehicle – 

• Anticipate that other drivers can’t see you.
• Speed down your motorcycle at intersections.
• Prepare to brake anytime
• Notice the movements of the cars in front of you.
• Watch for the signs, like turning wheels of motor vehicles or drivers signalling you.
• Be extra alert and careful. 

7. Road Hazards 

Motorcycles are more sensitive to poor road conditions than four-wheelers. Gravels, uneven or ill-maintained roads, potholes, wet leaves, or debris on the roadways can cause the rider to lose control. Poorly maintained roads can be fatal for motorcycle riders, especially when they are rushing above the speed limit or encounter sudden obstructions on the road. These accidents are caused not by drivers, but by unsafe road conditions. Motorcycle riders must always remain vigilant while riding. When a motorcycle rider unexpectedly hits a pothole while riding at high speed, the rider may lose control of the vehicle and crash into the road. It severely damages both the motorcycle and the rider. 

How to Avoid: 

Several motorcycle accidents occur due to road hazards, rather than the driver’s fault or negligence. Keep watch on the road conditions to avoid motorcycle crashes. When you travel through new places, slow down your vehicle. Steer smoothly and don’t handbrake on slippery roadways. Try to take well-maintained routes to avoid accidents. Another tip to prevent a motorcycle crash is regular tire inspections. Always adjust your vehicle speed to match the road conditions. Follow the tips below to decrease the chances of a crash – 

• Take wide corners for a better view.
• Look ahead to the farthest when you take a turn
• Slow down before taking a turn, not when taking it.
• Be extra cautious after the first rain, as the roads become muddy and slippery.
• Don’t ride faster than normal.

Legal Support by Our Expert Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

You have got an overview of the most common motorcycle accidents in Florida and how to avoid them. Yet, accidents are sudden and unpredictable. When and how the mishaps dismantle your life, you never know. Hence, it’s advisable to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. 

Motorcyclists who suffer crashes are often left with severe injuries, physical pain, mental trauma, emotional distress, and financial crisis. In case you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered losses, whether minor or severe, our attorneys can help you.  At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our legal professionals handle your compensation claim efficiently so you can better focus on your recovery. Our attorneys represent you in court and prove the liable party’s fault. The attorneys negotiate the maximum settlement amount to compensate the victim for the losses incurred.