We all know that a motorcycle accident can happen in the blink of an eye. When it happens, and you experience a motorcycle accident injury, there are things you need to do immediately, namely:
- a) Check for injuries to yourself and others and, if necessary, call for medical assistance: Your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others, should be your top priority after a motorcycle accident. If someone else has sustained a severe injury, call 911 right away.
- b) Move your motorcycle to the side of the road, if possible: If you can do so safely, move your bike out of traffic to avoid being hit by another vehicle.
- c) Notify the police: Even if there are no severe injuries, you should always notify the police after a motorcycle accident. The police will document the accident and create a report, which can be helpful later on if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- d) Exchange information with the other driver: You will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company name, and policy number.
- e) Get the contact information of witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names, address, and phone number. Witnesses can be helpful later on if there is a dispute about what happened; your motorcycle accident lawyer will need such information.
Keep scrolling to learn the different motorcycle accident causes:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. When motorcyclists are speeding, they are more likely to lose control of their motorcycle and crash. Speeding is also a factor in many hit-and-run motorcycle accidents; the faster a driver is going, the less likely they will stop after hitting a motorcyclist.
Lane splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. It is illegal in most states, but that doesn’t stop some motorcyclists from doing it. Lane splitting is extremely dangerous because it puts motorcyclists in a more likely position to hit a car.
Car doors
Car doors are a culprit in causing such accidents in urban areas. When a motorcyclist is riding down the street, and a car door opens, they can be knocked off their motorcycle and into traffic. This type of accident is hazardous because the motorcyclist often has no time to react and avoid being hit.
Left turns
Left-turn accidents can be a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. They often happen when a car turns left at an intersection and doesn’t see the oncoming motorcycle. The motorcyclist may swerve to avoid being hit, but sometimes they can’t prevent the collision.
Road hazards
If you know of road hazards, then you know that they can be a top cause of motorcycle accidents. Things like potholes, debris, and wet leaves can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their motorcycle and crash. Motorcyclists need to be aware of road hazards and ride cautiously to avoid accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options.