5 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Summer offers perfect weather conditions for exploring Ontario on a motorcycle. The opportunity to experience the open roads and scenic countryside without being enclosed by a steel frame and glass make motorcycles a popular mode of transportation for commuting as well as for recreational purposes. Although motorcycles account for only 2% of the vehicles on the roads and highways, their riders and passengers make up more than 10% of motor vehicle fatalities. It is important for riders to know the five most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them.

#1 Left-turning cars and trucks

Vehicles making a left turn pose a serious threat to motorcycle riders, and it’s not just by turning into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. A motorcycle rider can also be in jeopardy of being hit if the driver of a left-turning vehicle fails to notice the motorcycle passing it on the left.

Motorcycle riders can protect themselves against the risks posed by left-turning vehicles is to be observant of other vehicles and try to anticipate what they might do. For example, a flashing directional signal certainly indicates a turning vehicle, but a vehicle slowing down as it approaches an intersection could also be an indication that the driver intends to make a turn. Motorcyclists must constantly be alert and aware of their surroundings and the activities of other vehicles and drivers.

#2 Vehicles changing lanes

Most cars and trucks on the roads have blind spots on either side of them where a motorcycle might not be seen by drivers as they change lanes and crash into the motorcycle. Motorcyclists can reduce the risk of a collision with a lane-changing vehicle by being aware of blind spots and avoid riding within them.

#3 Driver or rider impairment

According to MADD Canada, 13% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involved at least one driver who was impaired by the consumption of alcohol. Almost 27% of fatal collisions involved someone operating a motor vehicle while impaired by the use of drugs.

An impaired motorist or motorcycle operator may experience impaired vision, show poor judgment, have slowed reflexes and be unable to focus on maintaining control of the vehicle. The most effective way for a motorcycle rider to avoid being the cause of a collision caused by alcohol or drugs is to avoid riding after drinking beverages containing alcohol or using drugs.

#4 Speeding

Operating a car, truck or motorcycle at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit or that is unsafe for the weather or road conditions pose a danger of losing control and crashing. Cars and motorcycles operated at high speeds are difficult to safely control and take longer to stop.

#5 Lane splitting

Motorcycle riders who attempt to make up time by riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic are engaging in a practice known as lane splitting or lane filtering. The danger of doing so is that drivers who do not expect to have a motorcycle riding up on them in such a manner could cause their vehicles to move within the lane and hit the motorcycle.

Saving time by lane splitting puts a motorcyclist in a vulnerable position and increase the risk of colliding with other vehicles. Keep in mind that drivers do not expect a motorcycle to be in their lane and will not be looking out for them.

Ontario personal injury lawyers

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation on behalf of accident victims injured in Ontario through the fault of others. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They have offices located throughout Ontario offering free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims and their families.

Faqs

What do I do if the motorcycle accident happened out of province, or even out of the country?

You can still file a personal injury lawsuit even if you are involved in a motorcycle accident outside your home state or country. You have two options in either scenario, namely: – ● File your personal injury lawsuit in the state or county within which the negligent party resides. ● File your personal injury case in the state or country within which the motorcycle accident occurred.

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger on a motorcycle accident?

Yes. This involves finding a competent personal injury attorney and providing him/her with detailed information on the motorcycle accident, i.e., the negligent individual’s name, the motorcycle registration plates, location of the accident, name and service id of the investigating officer, etc.

However, a competent personal injury lawyer can still obtain all relevant information to your case if your injuries incapacitate you. He/she would then file your personal injury lawsuit in civil court. You should ensure you initiate personal injury proceedings within the period stipulated in the statute of limitations.

My motorcycle accident was caused by a wild animal, can I still sue?

Yes. If you were a passenger at the time of the motorcycle accident, you could sue the person carrying you on their motorcycle for injuries sustained during the incident. In this scenario, you need to provide information that proves the negligence of the person riding the motorcycle.

You also need to consider the location at which the motorcycle accident occurred. If the accident occurred on a road passing through private land, you could sue the landowner for negligence. on two main grounds: – Suppose your motorcycle accident occurred on a public road alongside a park, zoo, or other public lands. In that case, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the governmental body overseeing the park, zoo, or public land.