According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle accidents kill more than 5,000 people across the United States every year. Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous compared to other motor vehicle accidents, making up 14% of all auto accident fatalities despite making up only 3% of motor vehicle ownership. The reasons for this are complicated, with these five factors being among the biggest contributors to motorcycle accidents:

  1. Poor visibility
    • One of the biggest reasons that motorcycle accidents happen is that other vehicles do not always see them on the road. Often this is the result of driving at night, but just as often it is the result of vehicles not seeing the motorcycle hidden behind other vehicles. It is shockingly common for someone to turn or merge into a lane where a motorcycle is, and only realize it when it is too late to stop.
  2. Inclement weather
    • It is always dangerous to drive when it is raining or snowing, or when the road is icy or slippery, but people do not always have a choice. Unfortunately, these sorts of road conditions are ideal for motor vehicle accidents of all types, and motorcycles are no exception. When people do not take adequate care during inclement weather, the risk of a motorcycle accident goes up dramatically.
  3. Road hazards
    • Ice and rain are not the only things that can make a road dangerous to drive on. Potholes, construction debris, and other obstacles can become potentially deadly if a motorcyclist does not see them in time. These hazards can also cause damage to other vehicles, causing them to lose control and injure other people.
  4. Reckless driving
    • While motorcyclists have a reputation for being reckless when they drive, many motorcycle accidents are caused by the recklessness of people around them. People have a tendency to not give motorcycles the same amount of room that they would for other vehicles, and are less cautious when attempting to maneuver around them. This increases the chances of a collision, especially when combined with other risk factors that may lead to an accident.
  5. Driving under the influence (DUI)
    • Drunk driving is a contributing factor in about a third of all motor vehicle accidents, and that includes motorcycle accidents. And while some may blame motorcycle drivers for this, the fact of the matter is that drivers of cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles are just as likely to be the ones driving while under the influence. When this happens, you may need to speak to a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accidents.

 

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.