Motorcycle accidents happen almost every day in Arizona, and they usually end with serious injuries or worse. The healthcare bills and loss of income can put families in overwhelming debt or even bankruptcy. This is where an accident lawyer may be able to assist.
According to the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash and four times more likely to suffer a serious injury than occupants of passenger vehicles. Fortunately, there are steps that bikers can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident, such as knowing the most common types of motorcycle crashes.
If you or a loved one was injured due to another driver’s negligence, then contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale accident attorney will evaluate your crash to determine if you may have grounds for an injury claim.
Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn five common causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona:
- Motorcycle-Car Accidents
It is a common misconception that motorcyclists cause accidents because they drive aggressively. Other drivers often fail to see bikers on the road, which causes the majority of these crashes.
Motorcycles are small vehicles, and many of these collisions happen because drivers fail to check their blind spots. Darkness and bad weather can also contribute to motorcycle-car accidents.
To avoid these crashes, do not ride in a vehicle’s blind spot. Also, use your headlights so other drivers can notice you easily.
- Sudden-Stop Accidents
Rear-end accidents may not be serious when they involve two cars, but they can prove deadly for motorcycles. A sudden stop can cause the bike to flip end-over-end, throwing the rider and causing severe injuries. Motorcyclists can avoid these crashes by paying attention to traffic ahead of them, and wearing reflectors on their helmets.
- Single-Bike Collisions
A motorcycle has a relatively small body that sits on two wheels, so it is susceptible to falling over, sliding or skidding across the road. Single-bike crashes are particularly common in bad weather. They are also common among amateur bikers who ride on curvy roads. Riders are also vulnerable in poor road conditions, such as roadworks, grooves, uneven pavements and railroad crossings, all of which can cause uncontrollable sliding and skidding.
- Open-Door Collisions
Open-door collisions are especially common in busy metropolitan areas. Motorcyclists must be constantly aware of parked cars on both sides of the street.
Drivers who exit parked vehicles typically look around hastily for oncoming cars, but they may not notice oncoming bikers. As a result, they open their doors directly in the biker’s path, leaving no time for the rider to avoid the collision. To prevent these crashes, bikers must adhere to speed limits in city centers and be vigilant when passing parked vehicles.
- Driver Behavior
Motorcycle drivers are also responsible for their safe driving and many times their own negligence can contribute to a crash. Speeding and alcohol use are both considered major factors in motorcycle crashes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
If you were injured in a crash with a negligent driver in Arizona, then contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. Call 480-951-9700 to discuss your case with a Scottsdale accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, healthcare bills and other damages.