For most people, motorcycles are more than just a way to get from one place to another. They represent the freedom of the open road and the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air that a passenger car can’t match. Unfortunately, riders face the risk of severe injury following a crash due to the limited protection their bikes provide.
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Bloomfield is an important first step toward securing fair compensation. If you were hurt through no fault of your own, the dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at Fredson, Statmore, & Bitterman LLC are here to help.
Distracted Driving
One of the major safety risks that come with riding a motorcycle in Bloomfield is the limited visibility that bikes offer. They are much smaller than passenger cars, and many motorists fail to notice them when they change lanes or make a left turn.
Distracted drivers further increase these risks. Even a momentary glance away from the road can cause a severe crash. Road conditions change instantly, and a driver focused on a text message or streaming video may fail to notice slowing traffic or a pedestrian crossing.
Unsafe Lane Changes
In Bloomfield, an unsafe lane change is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorists have an obligation to make sure the lane they are about to enter is free of traffic before merging. Because of their size, many drivers fail to notice motorcycles traveling parallel to them on a road or highway. This can lead to a side-impact collision that sends the rider spinning out of control.
Impairment
Like distracted drivers, impaired drivers have a diminished ability to react to hazardous road conditions. Alcohol consumption slows reflexes, making it difficult to avoid collisions.
Intoxication is also a common cause of motorcycle crashes in Bloomfield because it can lead to poor decision-making. Drivers often take risks behind the wheel they would not otherwise if they were sober. This can lead to speeding or sudden turns across traffic that ultimately lead to a collision with a rider.
Speeding
Driving at an unsafe speed increases the risk of accidents in general. When drivers speed, they often cannot respond to changing road conditions or stop in time to avoid a crash. This is especially common when drivers come to an intersection with a changing light and realize they cannot stop in time. If the motorcycle in front of them comes to a stop at the light, the driver might not be able to avoid striking them. Unsafe speeds are especially dangerous in hazardous road conditions like sleet, rain, or snow. It can lead to a motorist losing control of their vehicle and striking a motorcycle in a different lane of traffic.
Talk to an Attorney in Bloomfield About the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Your Case
While there are many common causes of motorcycle accidents in Bloomfield, negligence should not be one of them. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you have the right to fight for compensation. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
