Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Lake City is a gorgeous community that enjoys beautiful weather all year round. It is the perfect place for motorcycle enthusiasts but unfortunately, a day spent riding does not always turn out well. Motorcyclists have very little protection when they are on the road and when they are in an accident, they suffer some of the worst injuries.
Bikers know the risks they face every time they head out on the roads, which is why the majority of them always ride in a very safe manner. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Lake City are negligent behaviors by motorists, and these are listed below.
Speeding
Any time a driver travels faster than the legally posted speed limit, they may not see a biker in time to slow down or come to a complete stop. Driving below the posted speed limit can also cause a crash if a driver is traveling too quickly for the weather conditions. Speeding does not only contribute to the amount of motorcycle accidents in Lake City, but it also increases the severity of them.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers often do not have their eyes on the road and so, they may not see a motorcyclist that is right in front of them. Additionally, if a driver takes their hands off the wheel, such as when adjusting certain systems in the car, those few seconds could cause a motorcycle accident. Distracted driving can also increase the severity of these accidents because they happen at full force.
Improper Lane Changes
One reason it is so much more difficult for drivers to spot motorcycles is because they are so much smaller than other vehicles. Still, drivers are expected to watch for all hazards, including smaller vehicles, before they change lanes. When they do not and they make a lane change, there is a good chance they will crash into the biker.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous actions any motorist could take. Impaired driving has many repercussions, including slowed reaction times, issues with perception, and poor judgment. Any one of these factors could cause a motorcycle accident and when there are multiple factors involved, the chances of an accident become even greater.
Left Turns
Almost half of all motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers turning left, usually at an intersection. The driver may look forward to make sure there are no oncoming vehicles, but they only look for larger passenger vehicles and trucks. When they do not see a motorcyclist, they can then turn into them just as the biker is trying to legally make it through the intersection.
Lake City Motorcycle Safety Tips
Lake City is a beautiful place to enjoy a motorcycle ride. Sadly, these rides often offer much more than just thrills. Motorcyclists face many dangers when they are on the road, and they have very little protection. When a motorcycle accident occurs, it is almost always the motorcyclist that ends up with the worst of the injuries. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to lose their life in a crash than any other type of motorist. Bikers know the risks they face when they head out for a ride but it is still important for everyone on a bike to know the Lake City motorcycle safety tips, which are outlined below.
Complete a Safety Course
Under state law, all motorcyclists must complete a motorcycle safety course that provides specialized training before they can legally ride a bike. If, at any time, a biker feels as though they need further education, they should take another course. All bikers should also stay up to date on the best safety practices.
Wear the Right Gear
Motorcyclists do not have a lot of shelter around them when they are on their bike. They do not have a steel frame around them, and they may have little more than a helmet to keep them safe. Sometimes, they do not even have that. For this reason, it is essential that bikers wear the appropriate safety gear. This should always include a helmet, even though the law does not require one for riders over the age of 21. A leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, non-slip gloves, and goggles are all important safety gear that can save your life in an accident.
Check Weather, Road, and Traffic Conditions
Bikers are particularly vulnerable to poor road and weather conditions. They are completely exposed to high winds and rain, which can make the road slippery and cause them to lose control of their bike. Motorcycles are also very unstable vehicles and something as simple as a construction zone can wreak havoc for bikers. Always check the weather, road, and traffic conditions before you go so you know what you are facing once out there.
Remain Visible
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the fact that a driver did not see a biker. That does not shield them from liability, but it does cause bikers to become hurt. Wear bright and reflective clothing, use your headlight at all times, try to stay out of the blind spots of other drivers, and use your turn signals at all times. All of this will help you remain visible to drivers and hopefully avoid an accident.
Our Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Determine what Caused Your Crash
At Meldon Law, our Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer knows the most common cause of these accidents and can help you recover the fair settlement you deserve. Do not face biased insurance companies and juries on your own. We are here to fight for you. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or contact us online so we can review your case for free and determine the best path for moving forward.
