Article: Side-Impact Car-Motorcycle Accidents
Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer for Side-Impact Car-Motorcycle Accidents
Intersections are the most dangerous part of the road for all motorists, and especially motorcycle riders. Studies have shown that intersections are the most common place for car-motorcycle accidents, and most are caused by the other vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right of way or ignoring traffic controls.
The majority of accidents at intersections are side-impact collisions, in which the front or side of a car comes into contact with the side of a motorcycle. Due to the lower visibility of motorcycles and the much higher risk for serious injuries and death for motorcycle riders, drivers should exercise caution in intersections and other places where a motorcycle is or might be present. The vast majority of car-motorcycle accidents are caused by the car driver never seeing the motorcycle or not seeing it in time to prevent the accident. Unfortunately, many motorists do not recognize this need for extra caution.
If the other motorist has violated your right of way or ignored traffic control signals in your side-impact car-motorcycle accident, you may want to file suit for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were involved in a side-impact car-motorcycle accident in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should speak with an Arizona motorcycle attorney to review your case.
Types of Side-Impact Collision
There are two types of side-impact collision:
- T-Bone Collision
In a T-Bone collision, the front of the other vehicle comes into contact with the side of your motorcycle. This type of side-impact collision occurs most frequently at intersections. Motorcycles are at a higher risk for this type of collision than cars because the other vehicle may not see the motorcycle coming and will attempt to cross through the intersection or turn.
- Sideswipe Collision
In a sideswipe collision, the side of the other vehicle comes into contact with the side of your motorcycle. Motorcyclists are especially susceptible to this type of collision because a negligent driver may not see a motorcycle riding beside them when attempting to change lanes.
Dangers for Motorcyclists
As already outlined above, motorcyclists are at a higher risk for both types of side-impact collisions than other vehicles. In addition to being at a higher risk, motorcyclists are also more likely to suffer severe injuries or even death than an automobile driver in the event of a side-impact collision. A side-impact collision may crush the motorcyclist’s arm, leg, or other body parts against the oncoming car, cause the motorcyclist to be ejected from the bike, or cause the motorcyclist to lose control and skid across the asphalt.
Injuries that could result from a side-impact collision include head and brain injuries, which can cause permanent brain damage; spinal injuries, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis; broken bones; or even death.
Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a side-impact car-motorcycle accident in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should seek medical attention immediately, and it is recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney to discuss your case. For more information on motorcycle accidents in Arizona, please visit http://www.azmotorcycleaccidentlawyer.com/.
