If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, then you know that very few things compare to the thrill and feeling of freedom of riding down the road with the wind in your hair. However, you are also likely aware of the dangers that accompany riding your motorcycle. Unfortunately for cyclists, it is typically the inattention or recklessness of other drivers that expose you to the most danger. If you have suffered personal injuries due to the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options
Many drivers fail to exercise the appropriate amount of caution while driving, which puts everyone else on the road at risk. Below are a few examples of how the drivers of passenger vehicles are negligent, which can lead to catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists:
Failure to Yield
If you ride a motorcycle regularly, you have likely realized that intersections are extremely dangerous. In fact, many accidents involving cars and motorcycles occur in intersections.
For example, when a car is making a left-hand turn at an intersection, it is common for the driver of the vehicle to fail to see the oncoming motorcycle. Many drivers are looking for cars or trucks and not expecting a motorcycle to cross their path. This failure to yield can result in a tragic accident.
Distracted Drivers
The issue of distracted driving is becoming a tremendous problem and threat to everyone on the road. Texting, emailing and even talking on the telephone can significantly decrease the driver’s focus on the road. The Centers for Disease Control describes the following behaviors involved in distracted driving:
- Visual Distractions = anything that takes your eyes and your focus away from the road
- Cognitive Distractions = anything that takes your mind off driving and what is going on around the vehicle
- Manual Distractions = anything that takes your hands away from the wheel
Whether it is a spilled drink, changing the radio station or texting while driving, it is easy to see how a distracted driver could miss seeing a motorcycle in enough time to avoid a collision.
Blind Spot
Due to the small size of a motorcycle, it is easy for it to get lost in a blind spot of a vehicle. A vehicle driver who quickly changes lanes without signaling or swerves unexpectedly could cause an accident with a motorcycle driver who has no time to react or avoid the vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence
We all know that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous, but illegal, yet many people continue to do it. Alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs can all negatively impact a driver’s reaction time, focus and vision. An impaired driver of a vehicle poses a significant threat to a motorcyclist, as well as everyone else on the roadway.
In addition to the above, many drivers do not understand how driving a motorcycle differs from a vehicle. It is often difficult to judge how fast a motorcycle is approaching. Pulling out in front of a motorcyclist can result in the cyclist to engage emergency braking and throwing the driver over the handlebars. It is also easier for a motorcycle driver to lose control of the bike, resulting in the motorcycle to slide out from underneath the driver.
If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured by another negligent driver, let us help. Call the Law Office of Alex Cha & Associates today.