Understanding car and motorcycle and car accidents
Understanding the cause of a car, motorcycle, and any other type of automobile accident is vital in helping a St. Charles car accident attorney identify liable parties and take legal action on your behalf.
Car accidents are almost always more devastating and dangerous.
The lack of protection motorcycle riders have makes them much more vulnerable to those driving cars.
It is extremely important that all vehicle operators are 100% focused when on the road.
In this article, we are going to focus on how car drivers and motorcycle riders can help keep each other safe.
Common causes of car accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Motorists’ failure to detect and realize the motorcycle’s presence was the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents — often, drivers did not see a motorcycle until it was too late to avoid the accident.
- Intersections were the most common places for motorcycle accidents, and most accidents involved violations of the motorcycle rider’s right of way or other traffic violations.
- Poor weather conditions make driving a motorcycle much more difficult.
Statistics & facts car accidents involving motorcycles
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,014 motorcyclists were killed due to traffic crashes in 2019.
- Motorcyclists involved in car accidents are 27 times more likely to be killed due to a traffic collision than people driving in cars.
- The majority of motorcycle accidents occurred during short excursions close to home, such as taking a trip to the store, running an errand or visiting friends.
- In motorcycle accidents, with other vehicles, two-thirds of the accidents involved drivers who violated the motorcycle’s right-of-way.
- Motorcycle crashes in which bikers traveled at 86 miles per hour accounted for only one crash in a thousand.
- Approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents were collisions with other vehicles, mostly passenger cars.
- The median pre-crash speed for motorcycle accidents was 29.8 miles per hour, not the high speeds most people would assume.
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Related: Missouri Car Accident Statistics
It is no surprise that motorcycle accidents and injuries are more severe than accidents and injuries in cars.
It is not always easy to see a motorcyclist on the road, that is why it is imperative that we are always alert when we are driving.
The increasing amount of distractions that car, truck, and SUV drivers are presented with is making it increasingly dangerous for motorcyclists on the road.
5 tips to stay safe when riding a motorcycle
The most important tips for safer motorcycling include:
Proper motorcycle training
Owning a motorcycle is not for everyone. If you own, or plan to purchase, a motorcycle, you must make sure you are 100% confident in both you and your bike.
Before you are legally able to drive a motorcycle on the open roads in the State of Missouri, you are required to get a Class M instruction permit, a Class M license, or a Class M endorsement on your license.
Have your motorcycle inspected by an expert
You can only be as safe as your motorcycle. Like all vehicles, motorcycles require safety and admissions inspections.
Even if your bike bases the necessary inspections, you still must make sure it is the right motorcycle for you.
You need to make sure the size of the bike fits your height and weight.
New or inexperienced riders should not get a bike too powerful for their capabilities, starting out with an average bike is always a good idea.
Practice on a closed course
Before you take your first ride on the open road, make sure you get hours and hours of practice on a closed course or light-traffic road to get a feel for your bike, and build confidence in your abilities.
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Use the right protective gear to protect yourself in the event of a motorcycle accident
Often times, people chose to drive their motorcycle over their bike because of the free-feeling it brings.
While it may be a translucent experience, safety should be your top concern.
Wearing long sleeves or motorcycle jackets and pants greatly reduce the damage your body will take in the cause of crashes or accidents.
Using headlamps and wearing bright clothing (red, yellow or orange jackets) made bikers more visible and less prone to accidents.
Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you can own when riding a motorcycle.
The NHTSA has revealed Dot-compliant motorcycle helmets that they inspect for safety. Wearing one of these helmets could mean the difference in life or death if the unthinkable should occur.
Check the weather before riding your motorcycle
Before you ever get on your motorcycle, make sure you check the weather. If there is even a slight chance of rain, heavy winds, or snow, it would be a wise decision to avoid driving your motorcycle.
Beware of motorcyclists when driving your car
You cannot rely on other drivers to keep you while your on your bike.
Making sure you take all of the proper safety precautions before you ever start riding a motorcycle could save your life.
If, however, you are injured due to another driver’s negligence or a malfunctioning motorcycle, make sure you first, see a doctor, and second, talk to a local motorcycle accident attorney immediately.
Contact a Local Car Accident Attorney Today
Suddarth & Koor’s team of personal injury attorneys are here for you. Our car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your accident. Much like truck accident attorneys in St. Louis, our automobile accident lawyers offer a free consultation to help you understand your options.
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