It is an unfortunate fact, but if you search the Internet for motorcycle accidents, one of the most frequent scenarios you will find is a bad “left turn collision.” In fact, according to the well-documented Hurt Report, the number 8 leading cause of motorcycle collisions is when oncoming drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. In other words, automobile and truck operators pull out in front of the biker, potentially causing a multitude of serious, costly and even deadly injuries. The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is attributed to, “… motorcycle accidents involved collision with another vehicle, which was most often a passenger automobile.” Below you will find the top 10 causes of motorcycle accidents according to that report, along with complete statements regarding each motorcycle accident circumstance.
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Top 10 Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents According To The Hurt Report
1. Approximately three-fourths of these motorcycle accidents involved collision with another vehicle, which was most often a passenger automobile.
2. Approximately one-fourth of these motorcycle accidents were single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment.
3. Vehicle failure accounted for less than 3% of these motorcycle accidents, and most of those were single vehicle accidents where control was lost due to a puncture flat.
4. In single vehicle accidents, motorcycle rider error was present as the accident precipitating factor in about two-thirds of the cases, with the typical error being a slideout and fall due to overbraking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-cornering.
5. Roadway defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) were the accident cause in 2% of the accidents; animal involvement was 1% of the accidents.
6. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents.
7. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
8. Deliberate hostile action by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is a rare accident cause. The most frequent accident configuration is the motorcycle proceeding straight then the automobile makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle. (italics ours).
10. Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls. Left turn collisions frequently fall into this category of motorcycle accidents.
Left Turn Collisions And Your Chopper Law Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
As you can see, there are many potential circumstances where a left-turn collision might have contributed to your motorcycle accident. If so, there may be a good chance that you were not at fault. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowman Law Firm are aggressive motorcycle accident lawyer who know your rights as a biker, motorcyclist or motorcycle enthusiast. Are you unable to come to our office? We will come to you! We offer the convenience of a small town practice and you will always speak directly with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Not an assistant. Not a paralegal. Contact A Chopper Lawyer for a free case evaluation today!
