Car Accidents With Motorcycles

Cars and other vehicles often do not give motorcycles the breathing room they need to perform safe maneuvers, especially on traffic-heavy highways. A general prejudice against motorcycles and an overall ignorance about motorcycle safety both contribute to this problem.

When a car collides with a motorcycle, or otherwise causes a motorcycle accident, the injuries to the motorcyclist are often serious, if not fatal.

Dangerous Driving Habits

Automobiles often engage in dangerous driving conduct that increases the odds of a motorcycle accident. Some examples of these unsafe habits include:

• Lane changes – Many drivers fail to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot, or else fail to notice them when quickly shoulder-checking before a lane change.
• Tailgating – Motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car, which makes them vulnerable to rear-end accidents if a car is tailgating them.
• Failure to yield during a turn – Motorcycle accidents often occur when other drivers fail to see them in an oncoming lane before making a turn, especially a left turn.

Motorcyclists should likewise acknowledge the fact that it is difficult for cars to see them, and adjust their driving behavior accordingly. Weaving in and out of traffic and passing on the shoulder can catch other vehicles off-guard, potentially causing an accident.

High Injury Risk For Motorcyclists

Since motorcycles do not have any external covering or protection, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury when they are involved in a car accident. Almost every accident between a motorcycle and another vehicle results in injury, and close to half of these accidents result in serious injury.

Even the best helmet, boots, and leather can only provide a limited amount of protection from the road if a cyclist is thrown from their motorcycle. Riders should always inspect their motorcycles to ensure they are in proper working order, and that the tires are correctly inflated. Punctures and blowouts are two major causes of motorcycle accidents. There is also a high chance of a fuel leak occurring after a collision, which can cause burn injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car-motorcycle accident in the Little Rock area, please call the Duncan Firm at 877-638-6226 or contact our experienced lawyers online to schedule a free case review. We can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.