Riding a motorcycle can be exciting, offering a sense of speed and open-air freedom that driving in a car simply cannot replicate. But that freedom comes with a price.
Even the most cautious motorcyclists who abide by the speed limit and take safety precautions are at a much higher risk for getting into an accident than their car-driving compatriots. Plus, the risk for sustaining injuries and dying from an accident is much higher, too. But what exactly puts them in this risky place?
Here are a few reasons:
1) Motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles on the road.
Motorcycles do not take up much physical space, and while this makes them lighter and faster than cars and trucks, they can also easily fall into another driver’s blind spot. This is especially true when a driver in a car is making a left-hand turn. A motorcyclist on the left side of that turning vehicle is in a precarious position and the car driver may not see the motorcyclist as the turn is taken.
Additionally, there is no protective metal shell for a motorcyclist like a driver has in their car. So, even when wearing a helmet and protective outerwear, a motorcyclist is at a much higher risk for injuries or death as the result of an accident.
2) Motorcycles are often more prone to accidents when road hazards are in play.
A sudden downpour or a foggy morning can spell trouble for motorcyclists on the road. Inclement weather can affect visibility of all drivers, which further complicates the blind spot issues motorcyclists already deal with. Additionally, when roads are slippery or poorly maintained, the risk for an accident increases. For example, if a motorcyclist hits a pothole, the bike will be far less stable than a car or truck, increasing the chance for an accident to occur.
3) A poorly maintained motorcycle can make driving it dangerous.
Just like cars, motorcycles need to be maintained to function properly and safely. When regular maintenance is not kept up, the risk of an accident occurring goes up. In particular, maintaining the tires, brakes, and drive chain is key so that wheel alignment and the ability to stop safely are never compromised.
For these and other reasons, motorcyclists need to be the most attentive drivers on the road to avoid accidents. And even then, a negligent driver can still cause an accident with a motorcyclist. A driver may be negligent if they were speeding, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they failed to heed a traffic sign or signal, among other examples. In some cases, cities and towns can even be held responsible for a motorcycle accident if roads were not properly maintained.
When motorcycle accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence, a motorcyclist may be able to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. Hiring an injury attorney with experience handling motorcycle accidents can help get the best results.
If you or a loved one were involved and hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact the Goldstein Law Firm to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you.
