Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Unfortunately, it seems like motorcycle accidents make the headlines every week in the Las Vegas area. These collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries, and the tragic truth is that most motorcycle accidents are preventable. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Cars Making Left Turns
Drivers making left-hand turns cause approximately 42% of all motorcycle accidents. Passenger vehicles making left turns often hit motorcycles when the rider is:

• Passing the turning vehicle
• Trying to overtake the turning vehicle
• Going straight through the intersection when the vehicle turns

Sudden-Stops
The small size of motorcycles means that they can stop more quickly than larger passenger vehicles. If a car is following a motorcycle too closely and the rider has to stop abruptly, a rear-end collision will likely result. The impact caused by a car striking a motorcycle can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike onto the ground or the car in front of them, leading to severe injuries.

Failure to Yield
Much like left-hand turn collisions, failure to yield accidents are often the result of drivers failing to notice motorcycle riders. Failure to yield collisions can occur if a driver does not yield to a motorcycle when:

• Merging onto a highway
• Changing lanes
• Leaving or entering a parking lot or garage
• Making a right-hand turn
• Crossing through an intersection that is controlled by a traffic signal or stop sign

Open Doors
Open door accidents often occur in urban areas when drivers parked on the side of the road throw their car doors open into the immediate path of oncoming motorcycles. These collisions are typically caused by drivers failing to check for oncoming traffic before opening the doors of their parked vehicles.

Drivers of passenger vehicles can help prevent injuries to motorcycle riders by operating their cars safely and checking carefully for motorcycles before making any maneuvers on the road. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group can assist you with seeking rightful compensation. Visit the Motorcycle Accidents page on our website to learn more.