Learning more about the top causes of motorcycle accidents is essential if another driver was at fault for your injuries. You could be eligible for substantial compensation, which will help tremendously with medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys understand how hard it is to focus on a financial recovery while you or a loved one might still be dealing with emotional and physical recovery after the crash. So here are some important factors to consider.
Motorcycle Accident Causes in Missouri
Alcohol and speeding are the primary causes of motorcycle accidents. Both drivers and motorcyclists under the influence or driving recklessly greatly increase the chances of a collision. For example, once the alcohol content reaches certain levels in the body, it impairs operational performance in various ways, such as:
- Blurry or double vision
- Delayed perception, attention, and reaction time
- Slower response time to sudden road changes
- Poor coordination and balance
- Memory blackouts
All it takes is a minor mistake to cause a major crash.
Speeding is also a considerable error in operational judgment. The faster a motorcyclist is traveling, the easier it is to lose control of the motorcycle with any slight change in the road. Even a little bump or unexpected pothole can flip a motorcycle traveling at high speeds. It’s also more difficult to efficiently brake to avoid an unexpected obstacle, such as on busy streets or cresting a hill. And if a motorist pulls out in front of a speeding motorcycle, the rider may not be able to stop in time.
Additional Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The National Transportation Safety Board also identified four key human errors that contribute to motorcycle crashes:
- Perception—when a rider or driver failed to see each other on the road. This is common with blind spots.
- Decision—which means a motorist or rider didn’t make the right choice to avoid an accident.
- Reaction—an inability to respond effectively to a dangerous road condition.
- Comprehension—when a rider or driver notices a potential hazard but doesn’t perceive it as dangerous.
Regardless of the cause, you shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of someone else’s negligence. Partnering with a qualified car accident attorney can make all the difference in achieving the justice you deserve.