As a motorcyclist, you have just as much right to be on the road as any other motorist. Unfortunately, many drivers of passenger vehicles do not believe this. Drivers often perceive bikes to be reckless and dangerous people, even though that is clearly not the case. Other motorists do not watch for motorcycles in the same way they watch for other vehicles, and this can result in an accident.
Regardless of the type of motorcycle crash you are involved in, you will suffer some of the most serious injuries afterward. This is true even when you are wearing a helmet and other safety gear. While accidents involving motorcycles take many forms, there are some types that are more common than others. Below, one of our Augusta motorcycle accident lawyers explains more.
Left Turn Accidents
Perhaps the most common type of motorcycle accidents are those that involve other drivers turning left. Drivers will often look ahead to ensure there is no oncoming traffic before they make a left turn. However, they fail to watch for motorcycles that may be traveling in the opposite direction. They make the turn and do not see the motorcyclist until it is too late and they crash into them. Bikers often suffer some of the most serious injuries in left turn accidents.
Right Turn Accidents
Right turn accidents are not as common as left turn accidents, but they can still result in very serious injury. Right turn accidents happen when a motorist does not watch for oncoming traffic before they make a right turn. This often results in the motorist clipping the bike as the motorcyclist passes where the car is turning.
Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents are also very common and for motorcyclists, they can also be some of the most deadly. When drivers of passenger vehicles fail to check their blind spots when merging or changing lanes, motorcyclists will suffer some of the most serious injuries. Even more deadly for bikers is when large trucks crash into them during a blind spot accident. The blind spots on transport trucks are referred to as ‘no zones’ because other motorists should avoid them as much as possible. When a very small bike is hit by a large truck, it is almost always fatal for the biker.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving motorcycles are more common than people think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 76 percent of all motorcycle fatalities including another motorist are caused by head-on collisions. As with so many motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions are typically caused by other motorists who fail to pay attention and watch for bikers.
Speeding
There are posted speed limits in Augusta for a reason. Speeding does not only cause motorcycle accidents, but it also increases the severity of them. When drivers travel at very high speeds and are then involved in a crash, it increases the force of the accident and motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious injuries.
Road Hazards
Potholes, construction zones, and other hazards in the road can make a road very challenging to navigate. This is particularly true when motorists are driving recklessly or speeding. When there are hazards in the road, drivers and motorcyclists alike may have to make quick lane changes, veer off the road, or apply the brakes very quickly. When drivers have to make these adjustments, they may have to react without seeing a biker in their path.
Distracted Driving Accidents
It is hard enough for drivers to see motorcyclists. When they drive while distracted, they take their hands off of the wheel and their focus and eyes off of the road. If a motorcyclist enters the path of a distracted driver, the driver will not see them until it is too late. Distracted driving accidents also result in very serious injuries to bikers because motorists do not have the opportunity to try and avoid a crash by applying their brakes. Instead, they crash full force into the biker.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Georgia Can Help After a Crash
Regardless of the type of crash you are involved in on your bike, it will likely result in very serious injuries. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers can advise you of your rights and ensure they are protected so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us now at 706-406-6546 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.