Experiencing a motorcycle accident is harrowing and often life-altering, leading to future financial hardship and uncertainty.
Understanding the common car driver behaviors that cause these accidents can help in raising awareness and fostering safer roads for everyone. It can also help you account for negligence when filing an accident claim. Here are some leading unsafe motorist behaviors that often lead to motorcycle crashes:
Failure to yield
A frequent cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, often at intersections where they may try to rush through a turn or other maneuvers. Failing to yield can lead to devastating collisions, with motorcyclists typically suffering the worst of the physical damage.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is another major threat to motorcyclists. Texting, talking on the phone or even adjusting the radio can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a brief lapse in attention can be negligence, often resulting in accidents and placing motorcyclists at risk for severe injuries.
Unsafe lane changes
Improper lane changes pose additional risks. Many drivers fail to check their blind spots or forget to signal before changing lanes, often leading to collisions with motorcycles or cars. Safe driving practices, including using mirrors and turn signals, are crucial in preventing such accidents.
Following too closely
Tailgating is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. If a driver is following the motorcycle too closely, they might not have enough time to brake safely, resulting in a rear-end collision. All motorists must keep a safe following distance to prevent these avoidable accidents.
When driver negligence leads to a motorcycle accident in Washington, legal guidance can help the injured pursue justice and compensation for their losses.
