Many people love the adrenaline rush that comes with riding a motorcycle on a Kentucky highway. However, without the protective casing and safety features provided by a passenger vehicle, motorcycles can be some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are injured or killed in 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents occur in many ways, but here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents:
- Left-hand turn collisions – The NHTSA reported that in just over 40 percent of fatal two-vehicle accidents involving a passenger vehicle and motorcycle, the passenger vehicle was making a left-hand turn while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking other vehicles. Many of these accidents occur when a passenger vehicle is turning left at an intersection and collides with the motorcycle.
- Rear-end collisions – Approximately 7 percent of two-vehicle accidents involved a motorcycle getting struck from behind.
- Head-on collisions – More than 75 percent of two-vehicle fatal accidents involving a motorcycle occurred when a vehicle struck the front of the motorcycle.
What causes motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can occur for several reasons, but most of them are at least partially caused by the negligent actions of the motorcyclist and/or other drivers. Common forms of negligence may include:
- Failure to keep a proper lookout – A driver’s lack of visibility can cause them to drive into a motorcycle. Motorcycles tend to be smaller than the passenger vehicles and commercial trucks on the roadways, making it harder for other drivers to spot motorcycles while driving.
- Excessive speed
- Failure to pay attention or driving while distracted
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely
Motorcycle accident victims can recover damages for their medical expenses and other accident-related costs from anyone whose negligence contributed to their accident, including other drivers. My law firm can help you file a claim against anyone at-fault for your accident.
