Bikers love the freedom of the open road but understand the risks associated with riding. The outcome of a motorcycle accident is rarely good news for the rider. It is easy to blame the one who risks it all, but many bikers ride as safely as possible. Those most at fault after motorcycle accidents are other motorists who were not paying attention to what was going on around them.
If you were in a life-changing motorcycle accident and want to seek compensation, contact Phillips Law Group today. We have helped our clients win over $1 billion in damages over the last 26 years.
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Negligent Behavior Puts Motorcyclists at Risk
You might be wondering what type of behavior puts motorcyclists most at risk. The answer is simple: Negligent motorists and road debris create major hazards that threaten the lives of vulnerable bikers.
Distractions
The number one cause of most accidents is distracted driving. Distracted drivers are simply not paying attention to what is going on around them, possibly eating food, talking on the phone, or simply changing the radio station.
Hitting another car while distracted is one thing, but colliding with a motorcyclist puts the rider at high risk of severe injury and death. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are much harder to see. That is why drivers must pay attention to who is around them at all times.
Intoxication
Another negligent behavior that puts motorcyclists at risk is drivers who are intoxicated. Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is likely suffering from delayed mental abilities. Overall, poor judgment, blurred vision, and slow reaction times create a major hazard for bikers everywhere.
Fatigue
Some drivers may not realize that being fatigued is as dangerous as being intoxicated. Trying to drive while exhausted can have the same effect as high blood alcohol levels. A commuter under the influence of long working hours could fall asleep at the wheel. This puts everyone else on the road, especially bikers, in danger of being involved in an accident.
Failure to follow basic traffic laws
All too often, motorcyclists get into accidents when motorists fail to follow basic traffic law, perhaps by not properly using turn signals or driving through red lights and stop signs. Bikers often take caution and rely on other drivers to follow the rules.
Driving too fast for conditions
People who drive too fast for road or weather conditions are a danger to themselves, other motorists, and bikers all in one. Speeding makes it easier to lose control and cause an accident. When you are moving too fast, it is harder to react to hazards and debris. Speeding drivers cause way too many preventable motorcycle accidents.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving is unpredictable. It could put motorcyclists at risk of being involved in a deadly accident. Aggressive drivers may believe they have excellent driving skills, but a single mistake can cause a collision. Quick lane changes, failure to use turn signals, and speeding are risky habits to form.
Tailgating
For most motorists, driving too closely to the back of another vehicle can cause a fender-bender. For a motorcyclist, tailgating is extremely dangerous. It can push a bike out from underneath the rider or throw him or her onto the road into traffic. It’s always important to give motorcyclists as much room as possible on the roadway.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, be sure to call Phillips Law Group right away. You may be entitled to additional compensation for your injuries.
Motorcyclists Are Especially Vulnerable
The NHTSA revealed that over 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2020. Bikers are 28 times more likely to die in a collision than passenger vehicle occupants and 4 times as likely to be injured.
Why are bikers at a much higher risk of dying? The answer is in the nature of biking itself.
Driving the average motor vehicle doesn’t take extensive physical effort. It’s considered to be a passive activity that does not require much work from the driver, but riding a motorcycle is harder and requires focus. Riders must always keep a proper balance of their rides and use a greater amount of skill to maneuver safely.
The reality is that the risk of riding a motorcycle does not always come from the rider. Most are highly experienced and have been on bikes most of their lives. It is often the actions of other motorists on the road that make riding dangerous. How motorists react to the conditions around them can increase the chances of causing an accident.
Inconsiderate driver awareness
Sadly, most car drivers are inconsiderate of bikers. They may not know how to safely operate their motor vehicle around motorcycles. This might be because there aren’t very many bikes on the road. Most drivers might rarely encounter riders, period. Overall, there is a real lack of awareness of motorcycles.
Lack of experience with bikes
New or inexperienced drivers do not know how to react in certain circumstances. How they face a hazard might be completely different than someone who has been driving for many years. Making an unexpected maneuver to avoid an obstacle on the road can put motorcyclists at risk of a collision.
Debris on the road
Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable to road debris. The average motor vehicle is large enough to not be too bothered by small debris or potholes; most car drivers can go right ahead with few problems.
On the other hand, motorcyclists are at a greater risk of losing control of their bikes with even a small amount of debris caught at the wrong angle. Grass clippings, road materials, spent truck tires, gravel, and other hazards make riding risky.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Conscientious motorcyclists are to be commended for their commitment to safety. The risk is extremely high, and there is little room for bikers to make a mistake.
The most common types of motorcycle injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Road rash
- Burns
- Permanent disfigurement
- Scarring
- Crush injuries
- Trauma to organs
- Fatal injuries
Why Call Phillips Law Group Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need tough legal representation and Phillips Law Group is the law firm for you. Over the years, we have recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for injury victims throughout Arizona, including $7.65 million for one motorcycle accident victim who suffered severe head injuries. We stand ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
You are facing a long recovery ahead. On top of that, you will have to deal with mounting medical bills, lost time at work, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. That’s why you need help.
Contacting Phillips Law Group means that you want a law firm to have your back and do all the legal footwork so you can focus on getting better. Best yet, there is no fee when you work with us unless you win your case.
Call us anytime today. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation.
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