Four Common Motorcycle Accidents and How to Prevent Them

There is no way to completely eliminate the dangers of riding a motorcycle, no matter how many precautions you take. However, if you learn about the common types of motorcycle crashes and what you can do to prevent them, you can help reduce your risk of a crash that could result in a serious injury or death.

If you do wind up in a motorcycle accident, it is important to work with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience in handling these types of cases. At PKSD, we pride ourselves on our vast amount of knowledge about motorcycle accidents. We will put our experience to use to pursue maximum compensation if you were injured in an accident like those described below.

Left-Turn Accidents

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a vehicle turns left into the pathway of a motorcycle. Many motorists are not used to looking for motorcyclists and may not see them when making left turns. This is often because motorcycles are smaller than other types of vehicles.

You can help reduce your risk of a left-turn accident by increasing your visibility. There are a few ways to do this:

• Riding a bike that is colorful and not black
• Adding reflectors to the bike
• Wearing reflective or brightly-colored clothing

The driver of the motor vehicle is usually found at fault in these types of accidents unless the motorcyclist was breaking a law, such as driving straight through an intersection with a red light.

Motorcyclists can reduce their risk of this type of accident by trying to anticipate the actions of the cars around them. Look for signs of potential dangers, such as:

• A car waiting to turn in an intersection
• A gap in traffic between you and other vehicles
• A motorist quickly looking both ways

If you see any of these things, be prepared to brake or make evasive maneuvers to prevent an accident. Look at the driver’s wheels to see if they are angled toward you. This indicates the car is about to make a turn.

Taking a Corner Too Fast

Many other motorcycle accidents happen because a motorcyclist enters a corner too fast. It can be difficult even for experienced motorcyclists to avoid a crash once they hit a corner at high speed. Additionally, loose dirt or gravel can cause the motorcycle to lose traction with the ground.

The easiest way to prevent this type of accident is to avoid trying to take a corner too fast. Slow down so you can see what is ahead and give yourself enough time to react and stay safe. Look for visual cues such as stop signs or mile markers to help you judge the direction of the road.

Adjust your speed while riding so that you will have enough time to react when approaching a tight corner. Look out for signs that indicate that there will be a tight corner. If you find yourself going too fast on a corner, try not to panic. Lean into the turn and try to smoothly operate the vehicle.

Lane-Changing Accidents

Lane-changing accidents occur when a car merges into the motorcyclist’s lane. This usually happens when motorists are not paying enough attention or do not see motorcyclists. The motorcycle might also be in the driver’s blind spot.

Some ways to avoid these types of accidents include:

• Avoiding blind spots
• Staying in the motorist’s mirror at all times
• Looking for signs that the motorist is about to change lanes, such as a turn signal, turning wheels or the motorist moving his or her head

Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end crashes occur when a motorist hits the back of the motorcycle. While these accidents are common among passenger vehicles, they can be deadly to motorcyclists who are thrown from their bikes into the roadway.

These accidents frequently occur when motorists are distracted. Try to drive defensively to avoid these accidents by keeping an eye on traffic around you. When stopping, pull to the side rather than the center of the lane. Also, tap your brake light multiple times when you are stopped so traffic behind you can see you.

Contact Us for a Free Legal Consultation

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident despite your best efforts to avoid one, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for assistance.

The personal injury lawyers in Wisconsin at PKSD are prepared to fight for your right to full compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation today to go over your rights.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form or call us at 414-333-3333 .