Other negligent drivers cause most motorcycle accidents. Third parties may also play a role in some, and—of course—biker negligence is responsible in other instances. Identifying the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri City can help bikers avoid them, reducing the number of overall wrecks.
While knowing the common causes of motorcycle wrecks can reduce the likelihood of an accident, it will not eliminate every possibility of a crash. Plus, since bikers cannot control other drivers, even the most responsible behavior can still leave bikers vulnerable. If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, our trusted team of attorneys may be able to help you recover damages from the wrongdoer. Even if you contribute to the accident, you may still be entitled to damages from the other responsible parties.
Failure to See the Motorcyclist
One of the leading causes of motorcycle wrecks in Missouri City is that other drivers often fail to see them. Motor vehicle operators may forget that bikers are on the road. While it is usually second nature to look for other cars and trucks, most motorists could do a better job remembering to look for bikers, especially when switching lanes or making turns.
Unfortunately, this common cause of motorcycle accidents is outside of the biker’s control. Bikers need to be aware of blind spots and try to avoid them, but they cannot make other drivers more aware.
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Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents. There are three ways for drivers or bikers to be distracted: visually, manually, and cognitively. Texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, and attending to personal grooming are just some of the ways drivers avert their attention from the road.
When the biker is the one who is distracted, it can be even riskier. They need to maintain more control over their vehicles than other drivers and be hyper-aware of their surroundings. Bikers should never try to multi-task, and they should not use headphones or anything else that would keep them from hearing their surroundings.
Left-Hand Turns
Drivers often have a difficult time determining motorcycle speed. It commonly leads to motorcycle accidents during left-hand turns. A driver will turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle after misjudging the distance between them. Bikers may see the vehicle but may be unable to stop safely in time. Even if the biker can avoid hitting the other vehicle, they may run off the road, lose control of the bike, or have another type of crash.
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Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Drugs and alcohol play a huge role in motorcycle accidents in Missouri City and throughout the state. Whether the biker or the other motorists are impaired, drugs and alcohol can have a significant impact on ability. Even below the legal limit, alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time and coordination, doubling the risk of an accident after just a couple of drinks. Drugs can also impact a driver’s ability.
Bikers cannot control whether the other people on the road are sober. However, a biker should avoid riding after consuming any intoxicating substances. Additionally, they should be aware of signs of potential intoxication in the surrounding drivers.
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Speeding
Speeding plays a role in about one-third of all motorcycle wrecks. Plus, speeding increases the risk of severe injuries or death in an accident. In addition to increasing the risk of wrecks with other vehicles, speeding is a common cause of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. Speeding makes it more challenging to control the bike, especially if the rider encounters debris, potholes, or other irregularities on the road.
Learn More About Motorcycle Accident Causes in Missouri City
Every biker should practice defensive driving to help keep themselves safe. Unfortunately, it is just not possible to avoid every potential accident. Bikers cannot control the drivers around them.
Most of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri City indicate fault on the part of other parties and can help support your claim for damages. You can consult with an attorney to find out more information about your potential rights after one of these wrecks. Call today.
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