Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

How to Investigate Personal Injury Cases Involving Motorcycles

With a grant from the National Highway Safety Administration, researcher Harry Hurt investigated 900 motorcycle accidents in the Los Angeles area. His findings are useful in helping us understand how motorcycle accidents should be investigated and why a simple “accident” may have multiple causes.

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident and you are unsure if you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim, talk with a lawyer at Solomon & Relihan. Your initial consultation is free and there is no obligation. We can give you a professional legal opinion about whether to pursue a claim and how we would handle your motorcycle accident case.

Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Three—fourths of all motorcycle accidents involve more than one vehicle — usually a car or passenger truck. In two-thirds of these accidents the other driver violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident and one leading factor is the failure of the other driver to see the motorcycle.

Motorcyclists using headlamps during the day and wearing brightly colored jackets greatly reduced their chances of being involved in an accident. Also, motorcycles with fairings and windshields are less likely to be involved in collisions.

Another frequent cause of often fatal motorcycle accidents occurs at intersections when a car turns left in front of an on-coming motorcycle or a car driver fails to obey traffic controls and has a front-end collision with the cycle.

Single or Multi-Vehicle Crashes

In a small number of cases, a defective motorcycle part can affect the performance of the cycle, causing a crash with a car or a collision with a stationery object. Unsafe road conditions or poorly marked construction zones can be a problem for both car and motorcycle drivers.

What Can Riders Do to Protect Themselves in Accidents?

The use of a motorcycle helmet is the single most important factor in preventing debilitating head injury. Riders are least likely to wear helmets on hot days and during short trips, but most motorcycle accidents occurring during short trips so it is critical that motorcycle riders wear helmets on every ride. While boots, jackets and gloves are useful in preventing road rash and lacerations, they do not effectively prevent severe injuries.

Contact Solomon & Relihan

For a free initial consultation about your motorcycle accident, contact an attorney at our Phoenix law office. Home and hospital visits are available for your convenience.