Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Although motorcycle accidents are no more or less common than car and truck accidents, a motorcycle crash is more likely to cause serious injuries than a collision between two passenger vehicles. There are many possible causes of motorcycle accidents, including driver lapses, poor weather and road conditions, and even vehicle limitations that can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash under certain circumstances. If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash near Gaithersburg, it’s best to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine issues such as fault and damages due to help you recover from any injuries you may have sustained.

Poor Road Conditions

Motorcycles are more prone to accidents resulting from poor road and weather conditions than enclosed passenger vehicles. This is because motorcycles are both smaller and less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, and can be easily affected by potholes, cracks, slick conditions, and even debris or obstacles in the road. Driving in poor weather conditions not only further reduces motorcycle stability, but also reduces the visibility of the motorcycle to other motorists, which can increase the risk of a collision.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of car and truck crashes, and also a frequent factor involved in motorcycle crashes as well. Car and motorcycle drivers who are distracted from the road, even momentarily, are more likely to cause an accident due to inattention. As a motorcyclist, it’s important to both pay attention to the road at all times and take notice of the drivers around you to determine whether distraction may keep them from noticing you. Car and truck drivers can benefit from avoiding distractions and constantly scanning the area around their vehicle for motorcycles, which can be easy to miss due to their small size and fast movements.

Obstructed View

Studies have shown that a driver’s view of a motorcycle may be momentarily obscured by the standard pillars on the left and right edge of a windshield. So a driver who approaches a stop sign, and takes but a quick glance to the left or right, may not see a motorcycle approaching on the boulevard. Similarly, a driver intending to turn left across oncoming traffic, may not see an approaching motorcycle “hidden” behind the left pillar of the windshield.

Taking precautions when riding a motorcycle or sharing the road with motorcycles is the best way to avoid a motorcycle crash. If an accident does occur, contact a motorcycle accident attorney promptly for help with pursuing any personal injury claims.

Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Gaithersburg office directly at 301.840.0404 to schedule your free consultation.