Motorcycle accidents are known to be some of the most severe and gruesome vehicle collisions, often resulting in multiple severe injuries for riders and making it challenging to identify a single predominant cause of death or injury. Visit this page if you would like to book a consultation with an attorney to go over your legal options.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcycle accidents often cause damage to the lower extremities such as the pelvis and legs but also the head and chest.
Here are the most common types of crashes in California include:
Broadside Accidentsw
Broadside accidents, also known as T-bones or side-impact collisions, are a kind of accident that occurs when a motorcyclist is hit from the side by another vehicle. These occur when a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle from the side and typically happen at intersections where vehicles move in different directions and cross paths at a single point.
The impact of a broadside accident can be devastating to a motorcyclist since they are often hit with great force from the side. As a result, the motorcyclist may be thrown off their bike and suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
Overturned Motorcycle Accidents
Overturned motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on the roadways. These accidents can result in severe injuries or even death for the rider. Motorcyclists are more likely to topple than passenger cars because bikers must balance on two wheels, making motorcycles inherently less stable. Overturned accidents may happen from poor road conditions such as potholes, puddles of water, debris, or another vehicle. Poor road conditions are a significant contributing factor to overturned motorcycle accidents.
An overturned motorbike accident may occasionally be caused by another vehicle. For instance, a car or truck may suddenly veer into the path of a motorcycle, forcing the rider to take evasive action, which results in them losing control and tipping over. Due to this, it is essential for all motorists to drive carefully and pay attention to their surroundings, especially when sharing the road with motorbikes.
Hit Object Accidents
These happen when a motorcyclist collides with a fixed object and are often caused by rider error, though they can lead to a secondary crash with a vehicle. Overbraking the bike may cause the rider to fall or slide out. Note that these types of accidents can occur due to various factors such as poor weather conditions, inattentive driving, or mechanical failure. However, more often than not, rider error is the leading cause of hit object accidents.
Rear-End Accidents
According to recent statistics, 14.3% of motorcycle accidents occur due to rear-end collisions. These often happen at red lights or stop signs, when the vehicle behind the motorcycle fails to adjust speed or tailgates too closely. In some cases, the driver simply doesn’t see the motorcycle in front of them, leading to a dangerous and potentially life-threatening collision. In a rear-end accident of a motorcycle, the motorcyclist typically gets thrown from the bike and, as a result, often suffers injuries that are severe in nature like head trauma, broken bones, or spinal cord injuries. Due to the lack of protection on a motorcycle, riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries in these types of accidents.
Sideswipe Collision
Another common type of motorcycle accident is the sideswipe collision, which accounts for 10.9% of incidents. These occur when a vehicle swerves into the motorcyclist’s lane, often due to a sudden lane change, driving distractions, or impaired driving. Additionally, sideswipe collisions can also occur when a vehicle tries to overtake a motorcycle and misjudges the distance or speed, resulting in a collision. For motorcyclists, it’s essential to stay alert and aware of other drivers on the road, to reduce the risk of these types of accidents.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to a motorcycle accident claim, having a skilled Bakersfield attorney is crucial. With an attorney handling all aspects of your case, you can concentrate on recovering and attending medical appointments. An attorney collects evidence, consults with experts, communicates with insurance companies, and tirelessly pursues your claim, leveraging their knowledge of motorcycle accident laws and the severity of resulting injuries.
