Vancouver Motorcycle Accident Attorney Discusses Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents result in often fatal or severe injuries to the motorcyclists. The clear reason for this is the lack of the metal body protection and air bags that cars offer and motorcycles don’t. There are many ways for motorcyclists to become involved in an accident. A seasoned Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney has encountered several causes of motorcycle accidents; the most common ones are listed below.
Head-On Collisions
The most common accident involves motorcycles with other vehicles. Cars more often strike the motorcycle in the front than in the rear. Head-on collisions between motorcyclists and cars often result in motorcyclist fatality.
Left- and U-Turn Collisions
The most dangerous situation for motorcyclists is when a motor vehicle is making a left- or U-turn. A Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney litigated cases where cars struck motorcycles when the motorcyclists were:
- Going straight through an intersection
- Passing the car
- Attempting to overtake the car
A Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyer explains that motorcycles smaller size often make them more difficult for drivers to see the motorcyclists before making the left- or U-turn. In other instances, drivers don’t expect motorcycles to attempt to pass them while in the same lane.
Lane Splitting
Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney finds another common cause of motorcycle accident is when motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. Collisions occur for several reasons:
- Close proximity of the motorcycles and cars
- Motorcycle has reduced space to maneuver
- Drivers do not anticipate that any vehicle or motorcycle will be passing them in slowed or stop traffic.
Hazardous Weather or Road Conditions
Motorcyclists may lose control over their motorcycles if they are speeding during slick conditions from snow or rain. Hazards in the roadways, such as potholes, dead animals, uneven heights between lanes, gravel or unexpected objects, are more dangerous for motorcycles than cars due to the smaller size and less stable nature of the vehicle. One bump could cause the motorcyclist to lose control over the motorcycle.
Alcohol and/or Drug Influence
Any impairment also causes accidents. Motorcyclists under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol have more opportunities to lose control since they control the stability of the motorcycle. Since motorcycles also offer very little protection from an accident, the resulting injuries to the motorcyclists are usually fatal or more severe.
Motorcyclist’s Error
Motorcyclists who are inexperienced or even overconfident could misjudge something, resulting in an accident. For example, if the motorcyclist misjudges a bend and tries to overcompensate could cause him or her to lose control of the motorcycle. In other instances, the motorcyclist could take a turn too wide, ending up in the path of oncoming traffic.
Fixed Objects and Car Doors
Motorcyclists could also collided with fixed objects or when a car door suddenly opens in their path, causing them to flip over.
Seek a Vancouver Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney with the Etengoff Pak Law Group at (360) 693-2919.
