Types Of Accidents Motorcyclists Need To Look Out For

By Grant Law Office on September 10, 2022

Motorcycle accidents occur frequently, as motorcycles are hard to see and motorcyclists face more dangerous situations than drivers in cars. Although motorcycles are dangerous, there are a few things that motorcyclists can do to decrease the risk of an accident or the risk of harm during an accident.

For example, a motorcyclist should always wear a helmet and should wear thick clothing to ensure that their skin is not openly exposed. Wearing a helmet will decrease the risk of brain damage due to an accident, although you can still suffer from a brain injury. Thick clothing will decrease the severity of road rash and cuts to the surface of your skin.

Motorcyclists must have an increased awareness of the roads, as they need to be able to slow down quickly or maneuver–they should always be aware that cars are less likely to see them.

How Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Common types of motorcycle accidents include:

A car door opens onto the motorcyclist

People opening car doors neglect to look out for bikes or motorcycles, and even if they do have a quick scan, they can often misjudge the distance or won’t be able to see you anyway. When riding next to parked cars, motorcyclists should slow down and keep an eye out for cars that have just parked, as they are most likely to open their doors causing an accident.

Cars braking suddenly

Cars will often brake without warning for a number of reasons, but most commonly this occurs near intersections and traffic lights. It is a good idea for motorcyclists to leave a bigger gap between themselves and a car in case the car decides to brake suddenly.

A car turns left in front of you

Sometimes it’s difficult to judge the speed and distance that a motorcyclist is going, so it is important to take precautions if you notice a car is going to turn in front of you. These precautions may include reducing your speed and being aware of your surroundings.

Drivers changing lanes without thoroughly looking

When changing lanes, some drivers have a habit of  checking their mirrors very quickly and accidents often occur due to blind spots or poor gap selections. But when riding a motorcycle this risk is heightened–drivers often won’t see motorcyclists as they are only looking out for cars.

Drivers rear-ending motorcyclists

Drivers rear-ending other cars or motorcyclists happen often and are mostly due to distracted drivers or cars not leaving an appropriate distance in front of them. If a car is following closely behind you, the best thing you can do is pull over and let them pass. You can also drive closer to the right side of the road for better protection.

Objects flying at you and into your view

Accidents caused by flying objects are hard to avoid due to their unpredictability and because the items are usually small and hard to see. When you are driving on a gravel road flying objects are more common, so it’s best to leave a greater distance in between you and another vehicle.

Types of Injuries Associated With Motorcycle Accidents

It is common for motorcycle accidents to result in severe injuries, as a motorcyclist is very exposed. Because of this the most likely injuries to occur are:

• Brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash
• Punctured skin
• Broken or fractured bones

These injuries can take a long time to heal and will often require physical therapy for the injury to heal fully.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

A lawyer who has experience with motorcycle accidents can help you to recover financial compensation for your losses. These can include both economic losses such as medical bills and loss of employment, as well as emotional losses, including the loss of livelihood and emotional distress.

Hiring a lawyer will take the stress out of investigating the accident and filing a claim. A lawyer has the knowledge needed to ensure that you can be fully compensated, and the lawyers at Grant Law Office will handle your case expertly. Call (404) 995-3955 to maximize your chances of success.