According to statistics, incidents of motorcycle accidents have been on the rise since 2006. Cycling accidents may cause serious injury or death and are often the result of one of the following circumstances:

Car operator turns in front of the bike

If the operator of a motorized vehicle fails to accurately judge a cyclist’s speed or fails to see the motorcyclist all together, the motorist may turn in front of the motorcyclist, either at an intersection, or while pulling out into traffic.

Obstacles in the Roadway of a Blind Corner

While winding on twisties, motorcyclists turning into a blind corner suddenly encounter obstacles in their path and they may be unable to bring their bike to a safe stop. Common obstacles include sand, gravel, leaves, or even a dead animal. Motorcyclists are advised to only ride as fast as they can properly judge and easily come to a stop.

Blind Spots

A collision may occur when the operator of an oncoming car moves into the lane of a motorcyclist at a blind spot.

Read-end Collisions

A motor vehicle trailing a cyclist may misread the intentions of the cyclist and attempt to eke through the intersection before a signal change.

Rogue Cyclist

A single cyclist slowing down or stopping without signaling the group, may be hit from behind when the attention of the driver trailing the rogue cyclist is focused only on the group– not the individual that has come to a stop.

Sudden Brake Lock

A motorcyclist’s front brakes may lock in a sudden attempt to avoid the unpredictable interruption of an animal in the road. The extreme loss of control combined with the weight of the bike may cause catastrophic injuries or even death to the cyclist.

A car opens its door unexpectedly

A motorcyclist may crash when the driver’s door of a car parked on the shoulder of the road unexpectedly swings open.

Road Hazards

Slippery roads, oil-slick roads, loose gravel and other road hazards are common causes of motorcycle injuries.

Distracted Driving

A motorist driving at the speed limit on the interstate may easily travel the length of a football field while their attention is focused on their smart phone.

Drunk or impaired driving

Driving a car or truck while drunk and/or under the influence of drugs may impair the driver’s cognition, reducing the reaction time necessary to avoid a motorcycle accident.

Experienced Indiana Motorcycle Attorney

Motorcyclists are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to anticipate the unanticipated. But if you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident within the state of Indiana, contact an Indianapolis, IN motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible before evidence is destroyed.

Charlie Ward

Ward & Ward Law Firm
728 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-639-9501 or  toll free at 1 (888) 639-9501
Published 04/19/17

 

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