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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

March 20, 2023

accident motorcycle and cars on roadMotorcycle riders in California enjoy pleasant weather, scenic roads, and some of the nation’s most motorcycle-friendly safety laws. However, there are still plenty of risks involved in this popular method of transportation. Each time you take your bike out, there is a chance you could be involved in an accident.

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident is being aware of the potential causes and taking steps to mitigate them. While you will never be able to control the actions of other road users, you can learn more about the dangerous situations you might encounter and the best ways to react.

Speeding

It should be no surprise that speeding is one of the top contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in California and elsewhere. Motorcyclists who travel at a speed higher than the posted speed limit or share the road with another driver who does so have a higher chance of being involved in an accident.

The faster you drive, the easier it will be to lose control of the bike. Moreover, traveling faster means having less time to react to road hazards, such as unexpected lane changes by other drivers or sudden traffic jams.

Driving faster also means you will take more time to slow down, even when the road conditions are ideal. Therefore, it is essential to stay within the posted speed limit and moderate your speed according to the weather, traffic and other factors.

Improper Turns

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is drivers who do not pay sufficient attention while carrying out turning maneuvers. This most commonly occurs when a driver is attempting to carry out a left hand turn, and the results can be devastating for motorcyclists.

biker in mountainsTherefore, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention in situations where drivers may be tempted to make a left hand turn when it is not permitted, such as without a green arrow or when attempting to make it through just after the light has changed.

Lane Changes

Many drivers change lanes carelessly, which can have a devastating effect on a motorcycle rider in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether a car suddenly swerves, fails to check its blind spots, or simply changes lanes quickly without signaling, the outcome for the motorcyclist can be significantly worse than that of the driver.

The smaller and narrower form of motorcycles means it can be difficult for motorists to see them, particularly when changing lanes.

Driving Under the Influence

It is widely known that alcohol can impair your judgment on the road, as well as your vision and your reflexes. This can render you unable to react quickly and appropriately to the many incidents that occur on the road. If you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, it is best to call a taxi or a ride sharing service to bring you home safely.

A drunk driving accident can occur at any time or place, but if you are riding your motorcycle late at night, particularly on the weekend or on holidays, be aware of the greater potential for impaired drivers to be sharing the road with you.

Right-of-Way Violations

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is right-of-way violations, which occur when drivers fail to yield properly or merge. This type of accident often occurs at a red light, multiple-way stop sign, or entrances and exits of road maintenance zones. In many cases, these accidents cause head-on collisions with cars, which is extremely dangerous for motorcycle drivers regardless of who is at fault.

Road Hazards

road closed hazardRoad hazards are another common cause of accidents for all types of vehicles, but these problems can have a huge impact on those riding motorcycles. Whether it is an uneven road surface or a pothole, it can be difficult to maintain control when you are on a motorcycle with just two wheels as opposed to in a vehicle supported by four wheels.

Likewise, getting caught in an unexpected rain storm can make riding conditions unsafe, so it is important to pull over and take shelter until the bad weather has passed.

Contact the California Motorcycle Attorneys at Lehr Law, APC

Understanding the many factors that can lead to an accident can go a long way toward helping you reduce your chances of being injured on your motorcycle. However, even the safest drivers are at the mercy of other road users.

If you have suffered an injury from a motorcycle accident, reach out to the experienced California motorcycle attorneys at Lehr Law, APC today. We are prepared to advocate tirelessly to protect your interests and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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