Five Ways Motorcycle Accidents Can Be More Dangerous than Other Auto Wrecks
Five Ways Motorcycle Accidents Can Be More Dangerous than Other Auto Wrecks
Driving a motorcycle is an exciting experience, but it doesn’t come without risks. Brain injuries and irreversible damage to the spinal cord are only a few of the consequences a motorcyclist could face after a collision. If the worst-case scenario presents itself, a fatality is not out of the picture.
This doesn’t mean that you should just give up and drive a car, but it’s important to understand the risks that make motorcycle accidents more dangerous than other auto wrecks.
Less Protection and More Damage
Cars are equipped with many sensors and other technological gadgets that are there to make sure you’re able to leave the scene of an accident while receiving the least amount of damage possible. Airbags and collision detection systems are only a few of the tools that could save your life.
A motorcycle offers less protection and if you ever find yourself in an accident, no airbag or safety system can save your life. A rider will often fly off the vehicle, as there’s not a seatbelt to keep you in place. This can cause broken bones and road rash, among other more severe injuries like brain trauma.
Controlling a Motorcycle Is Harder
Speeding is a major problem in the United States. If you combine that with motorcycles, you have a recipe for a disaster. A rider is already in danger due to the nature of the vehicle, but if you add high speeds to the equation, any collision could become deadly.
Steering is also significantly harder on a motorcycle, where balancing yourself is a constant concern. Even a minor miscalculation can cause a devastating crash. Road hazards like potholes, which may not be a concern when driving a car, can lead to you losing control of your motorcycle and crashing.
Intersections Are a Problem
To avoid an accident while you’re approaching an intersection in a standard vehicle, paying attention to your surroundings and driving defensively is key. But approaching an intersection with a motorcycle is a different experience and can more easily turn into a tragedy.
It’s not a coincidence that many motorcycle accidents take place at intersections when a car makes a left turn in front of a rider. Many drivers fail to look in all directions before turning, so remember to always proceed carefully while maintaining a low speed. While the accident may not be your fault if another driver was careless, you may have a chance to avoid a crash.
Blind Spots
Cars and large vehicles are easy to spot unless you’re distracted or intoxicated, so it’s rare to not see one coming. When you’re riding a bike, things are different. You could be riding in a driver’s blind spot without knowing it. This typically happens while overtaking or going through intersections.
If you find yourself in a blind spot, you need to be aware that the other driver has no way to know what you’re doing and what your next maneuver will be. Remember to always make sure that the other driver noticed your vehicle before proceeding.
Road Conditions
Road hazards play a big role in both car and motorcycle accidents, but riders will run into more risks. Many roads are not built with motorcycles in mind and are full of debris, gravel, and potholes, and are often uneven.
A car can usually ignore a large number of road hazards if they don’t damage the vehicle or make it spin out of control, while a small pothole is enough to send a speeding rider flying. What makes the situation even more difficult is that a car can quickly stop if they see something wrong in front of them. A motorcycle needs its brakes to be controlled and used in increments.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle wreck, you’ll need to deal with insurance companies while you’re still suffering from severe injuries. That can be difficult, especially because your accident may have been more dangerous and left you with higher expenses. The insurers may be unwilling to pay.
You should never give up after you’ve been injured by someone else’s carelessness. At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, we’ll make sure that an experienced lawyer helps you get adequately compensated so you can move on. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or submit your information through the online contact form to get the help you need.
