It’s the sad truth that many motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers who aren’t safe on the roads. They may be driving recklessly or make simple mistakes that put others in harm’s way.
Failing to see motorcyclists, turning in front of them and blocking their paths and illegal lane changes are all actions that drivers participate in that can lead to serious, if not fatal, collisions.
Here’s what you should know about these three common causes of motorcycle crashes.
- Failing to see motorcyclists before pulling out, turning or changing lanes
Failing to see motorcyclists is a major cause of motorcycle collisions. Some drivers claim that they didn’t see a motorcyclist before crashing, which may be a result of the motorcycle’s lower profile. Drivers need to look both ways and to watch for single headlights or smaller vehicles. Failing to do so could lead to a serious collision.
- Turning left in front of oncoming motorcyclists
Another reason for many motorcycle crashes is because of drivers making left turns in front of them. For example, a driver might be attempting to make a left turn onto a busy street from a driveway.
If they don’t look carefully, they may not see a motorcyclist or may misjudge how quickly the motorcyclist is moving. Then, when they pull out, they cut off the motorcyclist’s path and cause a crash.
- Illegal lane changes that cut off motorcyclists’ paths
Illegal lane changes are dangerous because a motorcyclist may not have time to move out of the way. Even if they can, they may swerve and end up going off the road. Drivers always need to check their blind spots and should signal before moving into another lane.
As a motorcyclist, you have a right to be on the roads. If other drivers are not following the traffic laws or are unsafe, it’s reasonable to ask them to compensate you for any injuries that you suffer as a result of their behaviors. If you’re hurt, you may be able to make a claim and seek compensation for the injuries and damages caused by a negligent or reckless driver.