Springtime Motorcycle Accidents
After a long winter of cold temperatures and icy roads, the approach of spring has motorcycle riders entering the roadways. Unfortunately, springtime weather brings risks to those that ride motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,000 motorcycle accidents have occurred on New Jersey roadways from 2012 to 2016. What is even more alarming is the fact that motorcycle riders have a 28 percent higher chance of dying in a motorcycle accident than suffering a nonfatal injury.
The two leading causes of motorcycle accidents are speeding and distracted driving. Distracted drivers are responsible for approximately 33 percent of all motorcycle accidents. In most of these accidents, the drivers claim to have never seen the motorcycle before the crash. Inexperienced motorcycle riders and speeding causes approximately 50 percent of all motorcycle crashes.
Common Causes of Springtime Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. When a motorcycle crashes, drivers are unprotected by the strong steel frames that protect those in cars. Motorcyclists often experience serious or catastrophic injuries when an accident occurs.
The most common causes of springtime motorcycle accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Colliding with open car doors on parked vehicles
- Speeding
- Drunk and drugged driving
- Lane splitting
- Sudden stops causing rear-end collisions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Misjudgment when making left turns
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
- Mechanical defects
- Distracted driving
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents result in some of the most catastrophic and fatal injuries of all motor vehicle accidents. The most common types of injuries seen are:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Arm and leg injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Burn injuries
Helmets have saved countless lives for those involved in motorcycle accidents, but they do not fully protect riders from sustaining serious brain injuries. The chest and abdomen areas are particularly prone to catastrophic damage when internal injuries happen. Road rash and burns can cause severe scarring or disfigurement and infection.
Make Safety a Priority
A large majority of motorcycle accidents are preventable. The best way to enjoy motorcycle riding is to ride safely; always wear a helmet, wear long sleeves and pants, and pay close attention to the weather forecast before heading on the road.
It is vital to drive defensively and be on the lookout for cars. To drive defensively, you must:
- Proceed through intersections with caution, particularly when making left hand turns.
- Avoid lane splitting.
- Always obey local speed laws.
- Come to a full, complete stop at all traffic signs and signals. Proceed with caution when driving through cross streets.
- Avoid passenger distraction or playing loud music in headphones.
- Never use a cellphone while driving.
- Wear clothing with reflective tape when riding at night.
- Regularly inspect your motorcycle and perform routine maintenance to ensure the bike is safe to operate.
- Wear protective eyewear to prevent debris from getting into the eyes and causing injury or blurred vision.
Highland Park Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate for Motorcycle Safety
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact one of our accomplished Highland Park personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr for legal representation. Motorcycles are often severe; our lawyers will evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 732-537-8570 to schedule a free consultation today. Our Highland Park, New Jersey office serves clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
