Common Motorcycle Accident Types

Riding a motorcycle is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sacramento Valley. However, there are also serious risks involved in being a motorcyclist. There are many different types of motorcycle accidents, and because motorcyclists aren’t protected by metal walls or airbags, these crashes can cause serious injuries even at low speeds. Being aware of what the most common types of motorcycle accidents are is an important step toward increasing your safety as a motorcyclist. Although drivers are told to watch out for motorcycles, motorcyclists ultimately carry the burden of keeping themselves safe.

Left Turns

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42 percent of motorcycle collisions happen when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcyclist. This typically occurs when the motorcycle is driving in a passing lane or traveling through an intersection. When vehicles turn in front of motorcycles, it leaves cyclists with no way to avoid a crash. This also happens when drivers suddenly switch lanes.

One of the best ways to avoid accidents like this is to keep a safe distance from motor vehicles. While drivers do sometimes make serious mistakes, being far away enough to brake and avoid a crash can be critical. It’s also a good idea to increase your conspicuity by wearing bright clothing such as a reflective vest while riding your motorcycle. If drivers notice you, they are less likely to force you into a crash.

Head-On Crashes

NHTSA also reports that head-on accidents are the cause of 78 percent of motorcycle accident deaths. Because head-on crashes mean that bikers will be ejected from their vehicle, fatalities are a common result of these types of accidents. Motorcycles need to know immediately if a head-on collision is going to happen so that they can maneuver away from the oncoming vehicle. Even if a motorcyclist notices that a vehicle is swerving early on, maneuvering away quickly can also cause an accident. Ultimately, it is usually less dangerous to fall off of a bike than to be involved in a head-on accident.

Taking Corners at High Speeds

Motorcyclists also have to be careful maneuvering around corners. If the roadway is wet, icy, or made of gravel or another loose substance, motorcycles can lose traction and regaining control is sometimes difficult or impossible. Turning can be especially dangerous at intersections because other vehicles may become involved in the accident. To avoid wiping out while cornering, motorcyclists should take corners wide and slow down to a reasonable speed. It’s also important to make sure that your bike’s tires have plenty of tread and to replace them as soon as it is necessary.

Watch YouTube Video: Preventing the Five Most Common Motorcyclist Injuries

The following video contains more useful tips about how motorcyclists can avoid the most dangerous types of crashes:

More Articles from Winters Motorcycle Accident Attorney Ed Smith

Winters Motorcycle Accident Attorney

I’m Ed Smith, a Winters motorcycle accident attorney. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, call my office at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly advice about your situation.

I’ve represented people from Winters in serious injury cases for 37 years. You can see how I’ve helped my clients by looking at the settlements and verdicts I’ve helped them obtain. You can also see for yourself what my clients think of me by reading their reviews at:

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Common Motorcycle Accident Types