The time between motorcycle accidents and their consequences is often just a few seconds. Riders aren’t physically protected like occupants of enclosed vehicles and are more vulnerable in a crash. Traffic patterns, roadway conditions, visibility, and motorcycle operating conditions can all make for a serious accident.
Learning about Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents can shed light on what went wrong and whether another party may have been involved in the crash that caused the injuries. It is also relevant when determining a crash’s circumstances if a rider is injured and seeking compensation. A careful study of the accident may include traffic conditions, vehicle movements, witness accounts, photos, and other available evidence.
Inattentive Driving and Motorcycle Crashes
A frequent problem motorcyclists face is a driver not seeing a motorcycle before turning and/or crossing into their path. Motorcycles are smaller than passenger cars and may be less visible in certain traffic conditions.
A driver may overlook a motorcycle when:
- Failing to signal a lane change and check traffic; yielding to other traffic when changing lanes; and changing lanes in the wrong direction.
- When approaching a bike–change lanes and pass the rider
- Access to the roadway from a driveway or parking lot
- Following too closely
- Focusing on a cell phone or other distraction
- Not seeing a motorcycle in one’s blind spot
When the driver of a vehicle doesn’t see a motorcycle and causes a collision, this can lead to inquiries about if the driver was being reasonable. Evidence of an accident may be significant in determining what everyone was doing just before the accident.
Road Defects and Safety Hazards
Not all motorcycle accidents involve another rider. Hazard conditions on the road can also pose risks, especially challenging for motorcycle riders. Loose gravel, potholes, uneven pavement, standing water, poor lighting, construction debris, and poorly maintained surfaces can all affect a motorcycle’s stability.
The following conditions may deserve attention after a crash:
| Road condition | Potential Motorcycle Risk |
| Potholes | Inability to balance or maintain control. |
| Loose gravel | Reduced tire traction |
| Wet pavement | Sliding risk is raised as a result. |
| Construction debris | An abrupt change in stability |
| Uneven pavement | Difficulty maintaining control |
| Poor lighting | Reduced visibility |
| Missing warnings | Unexpected roadway hazard |
Photographs of a roadway accident scene may not be sufficient to determine if the condition of the roadway played a role in the accident. Quick documentation may be necessary, as weather, traffic, repairs, or maintenance activities may change the roadway after the crash.
Driver Impairment and Distraction
Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, talking on a cell phone, or being distracted can impair a driver’s reaction time. Even a split-second distraction can have devastating consequences for a motorcycle rider.
Distraction can be visual, manual, or cognitive, causing attention to shift away from the task of driving. When someone checks a phone, adjusts the navigation system, eats, etc., they may not notice the motorcycle in time.
Impairment can lead to further issues with judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. If impairment or distraction is suspected, the lawyer can review evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic video, phone records (when legally allowed), and any observations made after the accident.
The Importance of Identifying the Cause of the Crash
Identifying the cause of a motorcycle accident can affect how a legal claim is created. A collision can have one or more causes.
For instance, the driver could have been distracted, and the roadway could have had a hazardous surface condition. In another scenario, a mechanical failure could have happened just before another vehicle entered the motorcycle’s path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s one reason that motorcycle crashes happen?
Driver distraction and inattention are a major concern. A motorist may miss a motorcycle while changing lanes, turning, entering traffic, or entering intersections.
Do bad road conditions cause motorcycle accidents?
Yes. Potholes, gravel, standing water, uneven pavement, construction debris, and poor lighting can affect motorcycle stability and visibility.
Is it possible to have multiple causes for a motorcycle accident?
Yes. There may be a number of circumstances that can contribute to a crash, including poor roadways, distracted driving, or driving too fast.
Is there a mechanical issue that can help cause a motorcycle accident?
Potentially. Mechanical problems, including brake failure, incorrect tires, steering issues, etc., can contribute to an accident. Who is responsible depends on the circumstances.
Why is it that a motorcycle accident should be investigated?
Determining the root cause can help identify whether another driver, property owner, manufacturer, maintenance company, or other party was involved in the crash. It can also help organize evidence to support an injury claim.
Conclusion
Drivers can become inattentive, ride too fast, cause a motorcycle accident due to unsafe road conditions, be impaired by alcohol or drugs, have mechanical problems, or for other reasons. Motorcycles offer relatively little physical protection, and almost any collision can have severe consequences for the rider.
Knowing what caused the crash can therefore be an important part of understanding what could be a possible legal cause of action. A thorough examination of the accident scene, records, witness statements, vehicle damage, and the incident’s context can help you better understand the events that led up to the accident. Anyone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident and is seeking legal advice should consult with a lawyer for any information on the accident and what compensation might be available.
