Riding a motorcycle can be a fun but extremely dangerous method of transportation. Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of danger because their bikes are smaller in size and less protected from an accident verses motor vehicles. Injuries resulting from such accidents are often serious and fatal.
Many motorcycle accidents occur due to motorists failing to observe motorcyclists on the road. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Cincinnati to schedule a free consultation to evaluate your case.
At O’Connor, Acciani and Levy, we have helped motorcycle accident victims recover compensation in a wide variety of situations, including:
1. Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are often the result of motorist distraction or failing to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist. These collisions are commonly fatal or result in severe injuries, as motorcyclists may be thrown from their bike due to the impact or as he or she stops suddenly to avoid an impact.
Drivers can prevent head-on motorcycle collisions by being watchful of the road ahead to identify potential hazards.
2. Left-hand Turns
When a motorcyclist or other driver makes a left-hand turn, they may strike oncoming traffic. In cases of motorcycle accidents, this can occur if a motorist does not see a motorcyclist driving near the vehicle or if he or she fails to observe or anticipate the motorcyclist’s maneuvers.
Other causes of left-hand turn accidents include:
- A motorist turning left at an intersection strikes a motorcyclist who is moving through the intersection
- When motorists move to pass other vehicles
- When motorists attempt to overtake other vehicles
Motorcyclists can lower their risk of injury in a crash by wearing a helmet and wearing brightly-colored protective gear.
3. Speeding
Motorists who speed pose a great accident risk to motorcyclists. Speeding decreases stability and reaction times which can cause a driver to collide with a motorcycle.
Speeding accidents can force a motorcyclist to be ejected from their bike, resulting in severe or deadly injuries.
4. Driving Under The Influence
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Driving under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs or alcohol is a risk to motorists, pedestrians and motorcyclists on the road.
Drugs and alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to operate his or her vehicle safely. It also increases the likelihood of engaging in reckless driving, delayed reaction times and lowered inhibitions.
5. Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a practice that involves motorcyclists passing vehicles by maneuvering in between vehicles in different lanes, failing to use a full lane. This can occur when traffic is slow, allowing the motorcyclist to pass slowing or stopped vehicles.
However, lane splitting is a dangerous practice that puts motorcyclists at risk of an accident. Factors that contribute to the danger associated with lane splitting include:
- Motorcyclists being extremely close to other vehicles
- Limited space for a motorcyclist to make maneuvers and respond to quick changes in traffic
- Motorists do not anticipate that a motorcyclist will pass them in slow or stopped traffic
6. Road Hazards
Road hazards pose a risk for all motorists, but motorcyclists are especially susceptible due to a motorcycle’s smaller size and lack of stability.
Common roadway hazards that could lead to a motorcycle accident include:
- Uneven lanes
- Imperfect pavement
- Potholes
- Tire treads
- Debris
- Dead animals
Weather-related hazards such as sleet, rain, ice and snow also pose a greater accident risk to motorcyclists. If a motorcyclist does not make a quick enough reaction when approaching a hazard on the road, an accident causing serious injury or death may occur.
Speak With A Cincinnati Attorney Now
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Cincinnati personal injury attorneys will review your case and inform you of your legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Request a free, no obligation consultation today. We charge no upfront fees and you only pay us if we recover compensation for you.