Motorcycle accidents happen more often than you’d consider. It is quite a freeing, thrilling experience to ride a motorcycle. Unfortunately, it could also be quite dangerous as motorcyclists could sustain injuries if they are not careful. However, that’s not all. Even though motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, they can cause severe injuries to other motorists and road users. These accidents also occur quite often.

Data shows that in 2017, 5,127  motorcycle riders died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Below, we detail the causes of motorcycle accidents and what to do if you are a victim of one. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney today.

Reasons For Motorcycle Accidents

These are some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents:

• Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. When motorcyclists speed, they could collide with other vehicles or even hit people and damage property. In some cases, the motorcyclist is driving below the speed limit but moves too quickly through corners and bends. These could also cause fatal accidents to the motorcyclist and other road users.

• Left-Hand Turns

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is left-hand turns. When a motorcyclist is making this turn, they could collide with oncoming traffic, causing an accident. These usually occur in two forms:

• When a motorist hits a motorcyclist passing through an intersection
• When a motorcyclist hits another vehicle passing through an intersection or turning left

• Distracted Riding

When the motorcyclist performs actions that take away their focus from the road, accidents could occur. Some of the activities that could cause distracted driving are using a phone while riding, texting while riding, or reaching for something on the dashboard.  The effects of distracted riding could be very severe as the motorcyclist and other road users, including pedestrians, could suffer harm.

• Head-On Collisions

These usually occur when motorists or cyclists are distracted. It is often also caused when one party has the right of way and does not want to yield to the other. Head-on collisions are often fatal. They could cause the motorcyclist or their passenger to fly off the motorcycle.

They could also cause severe harm to other motorists. Injuries that could occur as a result of these collisions include neck, spine, and brain injuries. They could also result in full or partial paralysis.

• Changing Lanes Improperly

If the motorcyclist does not check their mirrors or does not give the proper signals before changing lanes, they could cause accidents. In addition, when improper lane changing occurs, they could fail to see approaching vehicles.

• Land Splitting

You may be familiar with lane splitting, as this is one of the reasons why people get motorcycles. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. It is usually possible because motorcycles are much smaller and can maneuver their way through open spaces.

However, this kind of maneuver can cause an accident. According to Maryland laws, “a person may not operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” Therefore, lane splitting accidents could occur in any of the following circumstances:

• When the motorcycle is too close to other vehicles
• When other motorists do not see or anticipate the motorcyclist
• When the motorcyclist gets into a tight space and cannot maneuver through

• Impaired Driving

When motorcyclists or other road users are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is very easy for accidents to occur. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the world. When a motorcyclist drives impaired, they have slower reactions and poor judgment. If you realize that a motorcyclist is driving recklessly, you should yield the way to them and report to the police to avoid any crash.

• Driving While Drowsy

Driving while drowsy affects all riders. When you do not get enough sleep before you get behind the wheels, you could fall asleep while driving or nod off quite a few times. Unfortunately, it only takes a second of closed eyes to veer off your lane or ram into another vehicle. Also, riding a motorcycle while tired will affect your reaction time.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!

If you or a loved one get hurt in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you should contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin, LLC. We will review your case and advise you on the next steps to take. We do not charge for consultations, neither do we charge attorney fees unless we win your case. So, schedule a consultation with us today and get the compensation you deserve.