Motorcycle accidents happen with unfortunate frequency in urban areas. Far too many riders are injured or killed as a direct result of driver error or driver negligence. Motorcycle riders face a much greater risk today than even a decade ago due to distracted driving along with an increase in traffic and congestion. As a result, motorcyclists must compensate with a higher degree of caution than ever before. Congested freeways and surface streets along with the popularity of riding motorcycles due to our almost year-round good weather makes Arizona a magnet for motorcycle riders.
While safe riding practices along with proper safety equipment like helmets, gloves, boots, and protective clothing like leather jackets may help in reducing injuries, however, the fact remains that riders are prone to collisions which cause serious bodily harm. The smaller size of the motorcycle may makes it difficult for other drivers to see resulting in unintended collisions. The lack of a metal cage of protection around the bike and rider leads to a greater likelihood a crash will result in heavy impact on the body of the biker.
The majority of motorcycle accidents are typically caused by the decreased visibility of the motorcycle due to its smaller size. This plays out in crashes involving failure of motor vehicles to see the motorcyclist and to avoid a collision. This plays out in several scenarios;
Unsafe Lane Changes: These are most common on freeways and multiple lane surface streets. The motorist does not adequately check rear and side view mirrors or blind spots, changes lanes without notice and collides with the motorcycle rider.
Left Hand Turns In Front of Bikes: These typically occur in and around intersections and middle turn lanes. The motor vehicle operator initiates or continues through a turn left in front of oncoming traffic and fails to see the biker. This failure causes a collision or causes the motorcycle to skid and lay down.
Cars Pulling Out of Side Streets and Parking Lots: This occurs when a vehicle fails to observe an oncoming motorcycle, proceeds out and causes a broadside collision or leads to the biker swerving avoid and contact loses control trying.
Most motorcycle collisions and rider injuries come down to the disparity in size between the motorbike, the rider and other, larger vehicles. The disparity in size between motorcycles and other vehicles results in significant injuries to the rider. There is very little buffer between a rider and the impact of a crash. While protective gear can help most often motorcycle accidents result in serious bodily harm including skull, spine, elbow, arm, leg and wrist fractures; tears to major tendons and ligaments including knees and ankles and significant soft tissue damage including herniated discs in the neck and back.
The foundation of my law firm is integrity, honesty and compassion. I have over 20 years of experience helping Tucson families who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. I help with serious injuries that require serious representation. I am a vigorous advocate for my clients, protect their rights and give them a voice in the court room. Call Tammy Carter Law 24/7/365 at 520-333-7737.