Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Experienced Motorcycle Accident and Injury Attorney Fighting for Victims on West Palm Beach Roads

residents enjoy riding weather year-round, and each year an untold number of motorcycle riders descend on the state for vacations, Daytona Bike Week, and other events. Unfortunately, while is a haven for motorcycle riders, it also leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities, and a disproportionate number of both fatal and non-fatal roadway accidents involve collisions between motorcycles and passenger vehicles.

Why are there so many motorcycle accidents in Florida? While the large number of riders certainly has something to do with it, this number does not tell the whole story by itself. From dangerous road conditions to dangerous drivers, we routinely see a number of factors playing a role in serious motorcycle accidents.

Seven Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Florida

The following are among the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Palm Beach County and throughout Florida:

1. Driver Distractions

Distracted driving is perhaps the single most common factor in motorcycle accidents. Distractions ranging from eating and drinking to texting and talking on the can all take drivers’ hands off of the wheel and eyes off of the road.

2. Driver Inattentiveness

A large number of motorcycle accidents occur simply because drivers are not paying enough attention behind the wheel. Drivers who are only used to looking for cars and trucks will commonly look right past motorcycles; but, “I didn’t even know the motorcycle was there,” is no excuse when it comes to facing liability for causing a collision.

3. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)

While we are all taught the two-second rule as new drivers, it is clear that far too many people do not respect the dangers of following too closely. Tailgating is prevalent in Florida, and drivers who tailgate motorcyclists are significantly more likely to cause harmful rear-end collisions.

4. Aggressive Driving

Along with tailgating, other forms of aggressive driving are frequently to blame in motorcycle accidents as well. Causes of motorcycle accidents that fall into this category include:

• Merging without the right of way
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Speeding
• Weaving through traffic

Read more: Dealing with aggressive drivers

5. Other Forms of Driver Negligence

Another category of common causes can simply be described as driver error. In legal terms, these errors constitute “negligence,” and they entitle injured riders and their families to seek full financial compensation for their accident-related losses. In addition to the issues listed above, some of the most-common examples of driver negligence include:

• Failure to yield
• Merging without looking
• Opening a car door into traffic
• Turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle
• Not properly maintaining a motorcycle

6. Car and Motorcycle Defects

Turning away from driver-related causes, car and motorcycle defects are to blame for a significant number of crashes as well. Issues ranging from faulty accelerators to defective brakes can all lead to unavoidable accidents.

7. Dangerous Road Conditions

Finally, road conditions that present little issue for drivers of passenger vehicles can present serious risks for motorcycle riders. Low spots that collect rain, debris from construction zones, gravel in tight turns, and potholes are just some of the issues that can cause riders to suddenly and unexpectedly lose control.

Read more: How long does it take to get paid after a settlement?

Speak with a Palm Beach County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free

For more information your rights after a motorcycle accident, I invite you to call me personally for a free consultation. To find out if you have a claim and learn how Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers can help you Demand More® for your injuries, my office at 561-202-6673 now.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.