A car and motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries. As such, it is imperative for both motorists and motorcyclists to look out for one another while on the road. The fun of riding a motorcycle is in the adrenaline rush of the speed, exposure, and openness of the bike, the very same features that make it a dangerous endeavor.
There are plenty of dangers and challenges that motorcyclists face on the road. However, if everyone could just be a little cautious and responsible for each other while driving, motorcyclists would also enjoy safe travels as their motorist counterparts.
If you have severe injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s carelessness, consider reaching out to our Arizona motorcycle accident attorney to deliberate on your case.
The Most Common Cause of Accidents Between Motorcycles and Cars
- Driver Negligence
One of the most common causes of motorcycle car accidents is negligence from drivers. Whenever drivers are careless on the road, the result is tragic for every road user. Everyone around them faces an imminent risk of grave harm, more so the motorcyclists.
According to research, more than half of all the multi-vehicle accidents that involve motorcycles are as a result of other motorists. Motorcyclists are at higher risks of getting injured and dying in an accident than car passenger occupants due to the fragility of motorcycles.
However, just because a motorcycle is friable and smaller than a motor vehicle does not mean the car driver can just bully or engage in irresponsible behavior while on the road. The following are more of the common driver negligence examples that can cause a car and motorcycle accident.
- Not Observing Right of Way
An intersection is one of the most precarious places for motorcyclists. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), intersections are the most common places for motorcycle and car accidents.
As a result of not seeing a motorcycle, most cars turning left at an intersection often do not observe the right-of-way rules. This could be simply a reasoning issue as motorists are not expecting or thinking about a motorcycle crossing their path. As such, the results are mostly tragic when cars and motorcycles meet in an intersection.
- Blind Spots
A car has numerous blind spots all around it, and drivers cannot see vehicles and motorcycles using rear-view and side mirrors due to these spots. This makes lane changing very dangerous, especially for motorcycles.
Some drivers often change lanes without signaling, leaving the motorcyclist with very little reaction time. This can lead to a serious motorcycle car collision that would leave the rider with injuries.
- Miscalculations
Many drivers miscalculated the distance and speed of a motorcycle that is approaching. Drivers end up pulling out in front of a rider without understanding the distance and speed of the approaching motorcycle. The NHTSA recommends that drivers should allow motorcyclists to pass before entering any city street or roadway.
If drivers don’t wait before pulling into an intersection, the motorcyclist will need to engage an emergency brake. This will, in turn, throw the biker over the handlebars or cause them to lose control, which would cause the motorcycle to slide out from under them. As a result, the rider will most probably land on another vehicle or the road’s hard surface, causing serious injuries or possible death.
- Driver Distractions
Most drivers are usually distracted by their smartphones. In the U.S., around nine people die as a result of distracted drivers every day. However, distracted driving is not only caused by smartphone use. Some of the other behaviors that cause distracted driving include:
- Cognitive distractors – things that cause your mind to drift away from driving
- Visual distractors – things that cause your eyes to veer away from the road
- Manual distractors – things that cause your hands to get off the wheel
Anything from driving while upset, to eating while driving, and even reaching out for something inside your bag while driving is driving while distracted. By the time a distracted driver notices a motorcycle, it may be too late for either of the two to react, which may result in a collision.
- Driving While Under the Influence
Sadly, many people drive under the influence even with the numerous safety campaigns out there. It doesn’t matter about the legal blood alcohol concentration limit of the driver; the negative alcohol effects can start with your first drink.
Some common effects of alcohol on someone’s driving ability include:
- Reaction time impairment
- Affected vision, causing blurry or double vision
- Inhibition of judgment
Driving while under the influence of other drugs has some of the same effects and consequences as above. The risk of harming a motorcyclist or other road users intensifies when driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving While Drowsy
The National Sleep Foundation states that driving while drowsy can have similar effects as driving under the influence. A drowsy driver can easily swerve into your path as a result of judgment impairment and reduced reaction rate. Drowsy driving is mostly due to sleep deprivation or undiagnosed medical conditions.
When riding your motorcycle, you may not be aware of the condition of other drivers on the road. The failure of other motorists to remain alert or take a second look can significantly change your life instantly. No matter how cautiously you drive, you will encounter negligent drivers while on the roads at some point. When this happens, we can help you get assistance in finding the best medical providers if you get hurt in an accident.
Common Motorcycle Injury Types
Some of the motorcycle injuries that we help our clients with include:
- Spinal cord injury – This is one of the worst types of injuries that you can experience after a motorcycle accident. It can result in some type of paralysis, which may mean relying on wheelchairs for mobility, modifying your home, and needing personal care assistance.
- TBI (traumatic brain injury) – According to the CDC, a TBI can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. Some things that can cause a TBI include a jolt, bump, blow to the head, or a piercing head injury. The collision force from a motorcycle can result in TBI even though a helmet provides a certain protection level.
- Broken bones – During a motorcycle car crash, one or more of your bones may break. This can be either in your legs, arms, back, or neck. The extent of the breakage will determine the level of medical care you will need, including surgeries, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Is this information useful? Experiencing one or more motorcycle accident injuries due to the negligence of another driver is a serious matter that requires legal representation. We have experience in personal injury cases, vehicle and motorcycle accident cases, and DUI cases to name but a few. You can call us any time of the day and any day of the week with your questions. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
