Riding a motorcycle can be a relaxing and fun activity. However, there are some challenges and dangers that you might face while riding your motorcycle. An accident can happen at any time, leaving you with high medical bills and a lengthy personal injury lawsuit.
If your motorcycle accident happened in Dallas, you can contact a Dallas motorcycle accident attorney and start the legal process of getting compensation from the party at fault. Motorcycle accidents happen quite often; therefore, it is important to know what the common causes of a motorcycle accident are to ensure safety as you ride your motorcycle.
Here are six causes of a motorcycle accident that you should be aware:
1. Unsafe Lane Changes
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is drivers and riders changing lanes without taking any precautions. As a rider, you can crash into a car when the driver fails to change lanes safely. Some drivers do not pay attention to the road or simply think they own the road. When you are riding your motorcycle, make sure you keep a safe distance and wear visible attire.
2. Speeding
Speeding is the leading cause of automobile accidents in the United States. Many drivers ignore speed limits rules, and it gives them a little amount of time to react to sudden events on the road. A speeding driver will have a hard time reacting to prevent a collision. If you collide with a speeding vehicle, the consequences are going to be severe.
3. Drinking and Riding
It is a criminal offense to operate an automobile after drinking alcohol. Alcohol impairs your judgment, and if you decide to ride your motorcycle drunk, you might not make the correct decisions, and some of them will lead to an accident requiring you to seek the assistance of motorcycle accident attorneys.
Drivers and riders who cause accidents while driving under the influence might be both civil and criminally liable for their actions. As it can be deadly to other motorists, it is taken seriously by courts and might impose harsh and unforgiving DUI penalties. If you are convicted, you are in need of serious legal help from DUI defense lawyers, as they might be able to help them reduce the sentence. If you suspect a driver on the road is drunk, call the authorities and ride as far away from them as possible.
4. Tailgating
Tailgating usually leads to rear-end collisions. The driver in front of you can make a sudden stop, making you crash into them. Therefore, you need to leave enough space between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating is usually dangerous for the tailgater, as they have no room to stop, and crashing into the car in front can lead to severe injuries or even death. It is recommended that you leave a two-second gap between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead.
5. Opening Car Doors
This type of accident usually occurs between a parked car and a moving motorcycle. A driver or passenger of a parked car will open their door onto a moving motorcycle’s path. This accident can lead to severe injuries and damage to your motorcycle. When a car stops, you need to be careful and watch the movement of any of the car doors.
6. Ignoring Traffic Rules
Traffic rules ensure that you and other road users are safe. If a driver ignores traffic rules, their actions or omission could lead to an accident. One of the common traffic rules that drivers ignore are traffic signs.
As a motorcycle rider, you may have the right of way, but the other driver will go ahead and ignore the stop sign. They can crash into you or cause you to lose control and crash into other cars or barriers.
Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Motorcycle accidents have serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, caused by another person, you need an attorney to represent you and recover damages. Reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and get started on your case.