Top 4 Reasons Motorcycles Are Hit By Cars in Kent County
Being hit by a negligent driver in a bigger vehicle is something every motorcyclist fears. It can be bad enough when a motorcycle crash does not involve another vehicle. Car versus motorcycle accidents can be devastating. As bikers know, there is very little to protect a rider from the impact of being struck by a car. Drivers have a duty to pay attention to and avoid colliding with all other vehicles on the road, including motorcycles and even bicycles in the roadway. Yet, some drivers become complacent and forget to keep an eye out for harder-to-spot modes of transportation, putting motorcyclists at risk.
If you were hit by a car while riding, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries and other costs related to the accident, like lost wages. Or, if you tragically lost an immediate family member in one of these accidents, you may be able to file a wrongful death action.
What Negligent Behaviors Cause Drivers to Strike Motorcyclists?
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in very serious injuries or fatalities. Long-term disabilities or extended hospital stays are very common. Driver’s are responsible for using appropriate care to avoid causing these injuries to others. Common careless mistakes drivers make that cause these accidents include:
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Blind spots - A very common type of car versus motorcycle accident occurs when drivers change lanes without properly checking their blind spot. Part of the reason these crashes are so dangerous is that they often happen at high speeds on the highway. Even if they happen at slower speeds, there is a high potential for the motorcyclist to be thrown into oncoming traffic.
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Inadequate space - Drivers sometimes think that because motorcycles are smaller, they do not need to leave them as much space as they would any other vehicle. This is often a very dangerous mistake. Motorcyclists are entitled to the full lane they are using, and drivers should observe the same following and passing distance they would for another car.
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Distraction - A driver who is somewhat distracted can miss noticing a bike much more easily than they could fail to spot a car. When someone is only half paying attention to the road, they run the risk of striking a biker they did not see.
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Left turns - Cars are most likely to strike a motorcycle while they are making a left turn. Often, drivers trying to turn left are watching out for other cars to avoid. A motorcycle may go completely unnoticed or may be partially obscured by other cars or objects.
Being hit by a careless car driver can be the worst-case scenario for responsible riders. If you were injured or lost a family member because a driver failed to use appropriate caution to avoid an accident, it is a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as you can after the accident.
Call a Kent County Motorcycle Accident Attorney
John D. Tallman, PLC, Attorney at Law is committed to helping motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers recover full compensation for the harm done to them. Our experienced and compassionate Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers are available to meet with you in your home or hospital room if you are unable to come to our office. Call us at 616-361-8850 to get started with a free consultation.
Source:
https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html
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