Motorcycle Accidents Attorney Glendale, MO

• While the exact causes leading up to an accident are unique, statistics show that the following circumstances either cause or contribute to most motorcycle accidents:

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle accidents, and in the U.S. it kills roughly one person every three quarters of an hour. Drunk driving was found to be involved 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 ruts in the road, slippery surfaces, potholes, and debris. Even if you were not hit by another person, 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

Forty-two percent of motorcycle accidents that lead to death occur when a vehicle turns left and hits a motorcyclist going straight. It’s hard for many people to notice motorcyclists, even if they’re being diligent about safety. This is caused by “inattentional blindness,” a phenomenon in which our brains are more used to looking for cars than motorcycles.

Speeding

Over 30 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents had speeding as a contributing factor. While some bikers are known to speed, it often is the fault of passenger car drivers who force a biker to embark on emergency falls.

Rear-End Accidents

Motorcycles do not need as much room to break as cars or trucks, and many motorcyclists downshift to break, preventing the break lights from coming on. 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.