Motorcycle Accidents Attorney Farmington, MO

While each accident is different, in our experience, the following circumstances either cause or contribute to most motorcycle accidents:

DUIs or DWIs

Drunk driving contributes to more traffic-related accidents than any other single factor, and in the U.S. it kills about one person every 45 minutes. Drunk driving was a factor in over three-tenths of motorcycle fatalities.

Road Hazards

Because motorcycles have less of a base than other vehicles, they are especially vulnerable to road hazards such as uneven pavement, slippery surfaces, potholes, and signs that limit visibility. Even if another motorist was not involved in your accident, if your injuries were caused by a road hazard, you may be able to make a claim against a government agency or construction company that was supposed to verify the road was safe for vehicle traffic.

Left-Hand Turns

Almost 50 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes occur when a vehicle turns left and hits a motorcyclist going straight. Motorcycles escape many people’s attention, even if they’re looking. This is due to something called “inattentional blindness,” an occurrence in which our brains are scanning for cars, but don’t register motorcycles at cars.

Speeding

Thirty-three percent of motorcycle crash deaths were caused at least in part by speeding. While this is sometimes speeding on behalf of the motorcyclist, it often is the fault of enclosed-vehicle motorists driving too fast to be able to maneuver around a motorcycle safely.

Rear-End Accidents

Motorcycles do not need as much room to break as other vehicles, and many motorcyclists roll off the throttle to break, so a motorist behind them won’t see the passenger car. It is still the responsibility of the other vehicle to give you enough space to break safely.

While each accident is different, our team has seen that the vast majority of motorcycle accidents fall into the following categories:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving contributes to more traffic-related accidents than any other single factor, and in the U.S. it kills approximately 32 people a day. Drunk driving contributed to over three-tenths of motorcycle fatalities.

Road Hazards

Because a car with 4 wheels is much more stable than a motorcycle, road hazards such as uneven pavement, slippery surfaces, potholes, and animals create a heightened risk. Even if another motorist was not involved in your accident, if your injuries were caused by a road hazard, you may be able to make a claim against a government agency or construction company that was in charge of ensuring the road’s safety.

Left-Hand Turns

Over 40 percent of motorcycle accidents that lead to death occur at intersections when a car or truck turning left hits a motorcyclist who had the right of way. It’s hard for many people to notice motorcyclists, even if they’re judiciously checking their blind spots. This is the result of “inattentional blindness,” an occurrence in which our brains are scanning for cars, but don’t register motorcycles at cars.

Speeding

Thirty-three percent of motorcycle fatalities involve speeding. While some bikers are known to speed, they can also be caused by enclosed-vehicle motorists who force a biker to take evasive action.

Rear-End Accidents

Motorcycles do not need as much room to break as passenger cars, and many motorcyclists use alternative breaking methods like rolling off the throttle, preventing the break lights from coming on. It is still the responsibility of the other vehicle to slow down in time.