It is unfortunate that we continue to see many motorcycle cases at Eason & Tambornini. With such a low number of motorcycles on the road (about 2 percent of all vehicles), it is shocking that they are involved in about 10 percent of all crashes.
In the past couple of years, more people have been purchasing motorcycles. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), “With the economy improving in 2012 and further strengthening in 2013, more people have disposable income for purchasing and riding motorcycles. At the same time, high gas prices may cause more individuals to choose fuel-efficient vehicles like motorcycles as their preferred mode of transportation.”
Motorcycle accidents continue to be challenging cases because there is debate about when a motorcycle rider is at fault, and there seems to be an ongoing bias against them (by juries, judges, and insurance carriers). As seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys, we are experienced in educating these people about why motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as cars and that when a motorcyclist is a victim of an accident caused by an inattentive or negligent car or truck driver, the motorcycle rider is entitled to all remedies under the law!
What are the leading causes of all these motorcycle accidents?
The following information has been gathered from www.rideapart.com.
Under the influence of alcohol while riding a motorcycle.
According to the 1981 Hurt Report, the most extensive study ever conducted on motorcycle accident causation, alcohol is a factor in 50 percent of all bike wrecks.
Cars turning left in front of a motorcycle.
This can be due to the car driver not seeing the motorcycle or misjudging its speed. Sometimes, car drivers are mostly looking for other cars and can fail to see a motorcycle.
Motorcycles hitting gravel around a blind corner.
It can be dangerous when riders can’t see what’s ahead of them. Turning the corner and coming across gravel, sand, leaves, etc., can cause nasty wipeouts.
Motorcycle riders are taking corners too quickly.
It’s common to misjudge a turn in the road.
Cars changing lanes into motorcycles.
Tiny motorcycles can easily be caught in the blind spot.
Cars are hitting motorcycles from behind.
While the most common car accidents are “fender benders,” unfortunately, they can kill a motorcycle rider.
Motorcycle riders travel in groups, and a “riding buddy” isn’t paying attention.
One rider who is not paying attention and makes a quick move, like a sudden stop, can harm the group.
The motorcycle rider locks the front brake.
This can happen when traffic suddenly stops or something darts in front of the rider.
A car driver opens its door while a motorcycle rider is scooting by.
While motorcycle riders have an advantage in maneuvering through traffic, it can be dangerous if a car driver makes a sudden change, such as opening their door as a motorcycle plows into it.
The ground is wet and slippery—bad conditions for riding a motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle in bad weather can easily cause the bike to perform differently and lead to an accident.
If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, please call one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Sacramento at Eason & Tambornini for a free consultation.
