During the summer months, there are a lot more motorcycles on the road, which increases the risk of riders being involved in accidents. While there’s no way to completely avoid every accident, understanding the most common causes of summertime motorcycle accidents can reduce the chances of motorcycle accident injuries.
Hazards in the Road
Road hazards like debris, gravel, and uneven surfaces are some of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents. While drivers of cars and trucks might not even notice these things, motorcycle riders have to watch out for them all the time. Since they’re moving on two wheels, motorcycles aren’t as stable when they strike something in the road.
Gravel and other slippery types of debris can be particularly hazardous to motorcycles, especially around curves and corners where the motorcycle may already be leaned into the turn and have less traction as a result. Scanning the road ahead and watching out for gravel and other hazards is an important part of being safe on a motorcycle.
Head-On Collisions
Sometimes, a vehicle will decide to pass another vehicle that’s moving slowly. They check for oncoming traffic, but they don’t see the motorcycle coming toward them. That can lead to a head-on collision, which is one of the deadliest types of accidents for any motorcycle rider. If you’ve been in this type of collision, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Because motorcycles are so much smaller and lighter weight than most vehicles, and because the rider doesn’t have the level of protection a vehicle offers, head-on accidents are often extremely devastating. There aren’t always many options to avoid the accident, and it can happen too quickly for the motorcyclist to get out of the way of the oncoming vehicle.
Vehicles Making Left Turns
Another cause of motorcycle accidents is a vehicle that turns left in front of a motorcycle that has the right of way. Because motorcycles have a much smaller footprint than cars, trucks, or SUVs, it’s possible that the driver of the vehicle won’t see the motorcycle at all.
Watching for vehicles that are planning to turn left is important. Motorcyclists can also cover the brake and clutch as they approach the intersection and slow down a little, giving them the opportunity to react quickly if a vehicle starts to turn into their path. This may not always allow them to avoid the accident, but it can reduce risk and go a long way toward minimizing injuries.
Get Help From a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you need a motorcycle accident attorney, you want to make sure you choose one who fully understands motorcycle accident injuries and how devastating and life-altering they can be. Because our attorneys also ride, you can feel confident that you’re working with a motorcycle accident lawyer who truly acknowledges your situation.
Contact us today at Coulter Harsh Law to get the help and support you need for your motorcycle accident injuries. We are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve, no matter what type of motorcycle accident you’ve been involved in on local roadways.
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