Riding a motorcycle is far more thrilling than driving a car. But, whether you’re a long-time or novice motorcyclist, you must understand that motorcycle accidents are vastly more dangerous. In a car, the frame of the vehicle, seatbelts, and airbags all help to reduce the impact of a collision. Motorcyclists are out in the open, and have a far higher likelihood of sustaining a catastrophic injury. So that you can protect yourself, we’ve laid out some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents have catastrophic consequences. Here is what causes them.
Changing Lanes
Highway driving is, for the most part, surprisingly safe. But changing lanes at highway speeds does have the potential to be dangerous—especially for motorcyclists.
One of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents occurs when a driver changes lanes without noticing a motorcyclist. Motorcycles are admittedly more challenging to spot than vehicles. But the driver ought to signal their turn and check their blind spot before changing lanes. As a motorcyclist, you can do your part by staying alert, too.
Lane Splitting
You may have seen motorcyclists down the dotted line in between two lanes of traffic. While this is standard practice in Europe and Asia, it is not legal in Maryland. As of 2020, the only state in which lane splitting remains legal in California.
There is some evidence that lane splitting helps to reduce traffic and even to protect motorcyclists from dangerous rear-end collisions. But splitting lanes comes with some dangers of its own. A vehicle could unexpectedly and without signaling change lanes. Doors could fling open.
Lane splitting has caused numerous motorcycle accidents. As if that isn’t enough reason to avoid it, remember that it’s illegal, too.
Left Turns
Some of the deadliest accidents take place during left turns. As a motorcyclist, you have to be especially careful. It can be challenging to gauge the safety of a left turn, especially if an oncoming vehicle is speeding. There is also the threat of a car running a red light and colliding with you as you make your turn.
In situations such as these, the negligence of other drivers can have catastrophic consequences. Motorcycle accidents have caused permanent disfigurement, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
Were you or a loved one injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence? We can help.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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