motorcycle accident
Josh Wienman | May 1, 2023

How Negligent Drivers Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident

One of the most common causes of such accidents is negligent driving. There are times when other drivers don’t see motorcycle riders on the road, follow them too closely, or drive recklessly.

As more people drive cars, it can become more and more dangerous for motorcyclists. Still, driving negligence isn’t the only thing that can cause motorcycle accidents. A variety of things can cause injuries to both motorcyclists and other drivers.

How negligent drivers can cause a motorcycle accident is what we will be looking at in this article. We’ll also look at how negligent driving can lead to a car accident as well. Read on to know more.

Over Speeding

5 Key Things You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident

This is one of the negligent driving behaviors that can lead to an accident. They have a greater risk of injury and death when involved in a collision due to their lack of external protection. When you are over speeding, it increases the risk of a motorcycle accident, potentially causing catastrophic results.

If they are following a car, they can become caught in the car’s slipstream, which can lead to excessive speed without the driver realizing it. Failing to notice a motorcycle because it is smaller than a car and therefore being caught off guard can lead to a serious collision.

By following the speed limit, they can increase their chances of avoiding an accident and potentially save a life.

Running a Red Light

When a driver runs a red light, they are not only disregarding the law, but they are also disregarding other drivers’ right of way. At intersections, drivers are expected to pay attention to the traffic signals and yield to crossing traffic. If a driver fails to do so and runs a red light, they risk causing a collision with an oncoming motorcyclist.

In a collision between a car and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is more likely to suffer serious and sometimes fatal injuries. It is essential that drivers adhere to traffic laws and pay attention to the presence of motorcycles on the road.

Failing to Yield

When a driver fails to yield to a motorcycle, they are not only violating the rules of the road. They are also creating a hazardous situation for the rider. When a driver does not check to see if there is a motorcycle in the area before making a maneuver, it can lead to a collision.

When a driver fails to signal that they are turning or changing lanes, it can cause a motorcycle rider to enter a lane without proper warning. No matter the reason, failing to yield to a motorcycle puts the rider in danger. Drivers must make sure they are always on the lookout for motorcycles and be prepared to yield the right of way to ensure everyone’s safety.

Driving While Distracted

Negligent drivers can easily cause motorcycle accidents when they don’t pay attention to the road. Not only are they endangering the motorcyclist, but they are endangering anyone else who is on the road. Drivers have the responsibility to follow the rules of the road.

A Motorcycle Accident

They must be cautious and alert when driving in order to prevent any potential accidents. When a negligent driver is not paying attention, they are unable to react to sudden hazards quickly enough and can easily cause an accident. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can be deadly when riding a motorcycle.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious issue on the roads. Even the slightest form can have devastating consequences, especially when it comes to motorcycle accidents. A person who drives under the influence fails to take due care and can find themselves in a dangerous situation.

Their behavior can also place other drivers of motor vehicles in danger. This is because their reaction times are slower, and judgment is impaired. Their driving can be negligent and careless, leading to potential collisions. It is important to monitor your behavior on the road and to recognize when it may not be safe for you to be behind the wheel.

It is vital for both the safety of the driver as well as that of others to ensure that only a sober and wisely-thought driver takes the wheel. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist injured bikers in receiving compensation for their medical bills and any other lasting repercussions from an accident caused by a negligent driver.

With experienced, knowledgeable legal representation, victims can fight for the justice they deserve.

Following Too Closely

Following too closely increases the chances of a rear-end collision when the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or make a sudden turn. This is especially true when the other vehicle is a motorcycle. They are less visible and require a greater distance for safe braking.

Not leaving enough space to react in a timely manner increases the chances of causing a collision with a motorcycle. Sudden removing, turning, or swerving can cause a rider to lose control. The motorcycle should always be given a wide berth to avoid a collision.

They should always leave enough space to react to whatever is happening on the road to avoid a serious motorcycle accident.

Failing to Look Before Making a Left-Hand Turn

When a driver fails to look both ways before making a left turn they may not see a motorcycle, and this could cause a crash. They don’t have the same protection as a car might offer. So a collision like this could be a very serious situation.

Investigation in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Due to the size and weight difference, the driver may be able to get away with minor damage, whereas the motorcyclist could be severely injured or possibly even killed. In order to prevent these kinds of issues, drivers need to be aware of the rules of the road and take the necessary precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of other drivers.

Learning How Negligent Drivers Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident

In conclusion, negligent drivers who are not paying attention to their driving can be the cause of many motorcycle accidents.  Accidents can be prevented by being aware of surrounding traffic, avoiding distractions, and following driving laws. Motorcycles require extra care while they are out on the roads.

Keep your eyes open, be prepared, and remember to always drive safely. If you observe any road neglect, make sure to report it right away.

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Josh Wienman

We are In News Weekly. We love to investigate and write about everything and anything that can help people live a better life. We are based in Minnesota and our families are the focus of our lives. Finance, investing, travel, sports and food rank among the many topics we enjoy reading and writing about, sharing our knowledge and experiences with our readers. From entertainment to business topical trends in every exciting niche, if it has a pulse then In News Weekly has it covered.