Riding a motorcycle is an incredible thrill, allowing a rider to enjoy the open air without being burdened by the exterior that encloses drivers. However, the same features that make a motorcycle alluring are the same features that make it inherently more dangerous than a car. As such, motorcyclists need to be doubly aware of safety and take extra precautions to ensure that a fun ride does not turn into a tragic one. Here are some of the most common motorcycle accidents and tips on how to avoid them.
The car in front of you turns left. This is one of the most common motorcycle accidents and can occur for many reasons. A driver might fail to see you or misjudge your speed. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can easily hide within the blind spots of motor vehicles. While drivers should keep an eye out for you, it is not something you should assume or rely on. Do your part to maintain your own safety and keep an eye out for signs that may indicate a driver might turn in front of you.
Hitting gravel on a blind corner. When riding out on the road with twists and turns, a rider might get carried away and end up hitting gravel, sand, or some other obstruction while turning a corner. Instead of getting caught off guard, ride at a pace that allows you the proper reaction time for your range of vision.
Entering a corner too fast. Entering a corner too fast is another way to have an accident unexpectedly. As a rule of thumb, riders should only ride as fast as they can see and utilize visual clues.
A car unknowingly changes lanes into you. Cars are not trying to hit you, but if you are in their blind spot and are not paying attention, they might change lanes right into the spot you are occupying. To avoid this, be aware of blind spots and try not to linger in them.
A car rear-ends you. When cars rear-end each other, the results are not usually nowhere near as disastrous as when a motorcycle is involved. Riders are not as protected as drivers and passengers in a car, and their level of exposure can result in severe injuries or even death. Use cars as a buffer zone by staying in between a line of cars, or pulling in front of a line of cars when at a stoplight. Most importantly, always be aware of your surroundings so that you can better anticipate the actions of drivers around you.
An opened car door. When driving between a line of parked cars and a fixed line of heavy traffic, someone might suddenly swing open a car door right in front of you. This can easily be avoided if you avoid riding between heavy traffic and parked cars.
North Carolina & South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor are here to protect your rights and interests. Founding attorney, Jason E. Taylor, has been riding motorcycles since his youth and still enjoys riding Harleys today. When we handle motorcycle accident cases, we invest every resource we have into obtaining compensation on your behalf, utilizing a dedicated team of attorneys and trained support staff, case managers, claim managers, and investigators. There is no reason for you to face this difficult time alone.
For a free consultation, contact us at (800) 351-3008.