How to Avoid 2 Common Motorcycle Accidents
The aftereffects of motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries and extensive property damage. This is largely due to the lack of protection that motorcycle riders have, and even with helmets and jackets, fatal injuries are common.
Motorcycle crashes are a growing concern in the state of Nebraska. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, at least 20 people died in 2014 due to motorcycle accident injuries. In that same period, more than 400 riders sustained serious wounds.
If you were in a crash that was not your fault, contact an Omaha personal-injury lawyer at Rensch & Rensch Law. Our attorneys handle a variety of personal-injury cases, and we can evaluate your motorcycle accident to determine if you may have a valid claim. We can explain your options and guide you through the process of potentially recovering damages for medical expenses and lost wages. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 1-800-471-4100.
Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents on Nebraska Roads
Even the safest riders cannot control the behavior of reckless drivers, but if you are aware of the common causes of major crashes, you may be able to avoid some of the more dangerous situations. This article will introduce two common motorcycle accidents and tips for avoiding them:
- Cars Turning Left
One of the most common types of motorcycle collisions occurs when a car turns left in front of a rider. This often happens when drivers fail to judge a motorcyclist’s speed or distance correctly. In some cases, the rider is in the driver’s blind spot for mere seconds, which is enough time to result in a crash.
These accidents can cause serious injuries, but with defensive driving, they are relatively easy to avoid. Ride Apart recommends looking for signs that drivers may be about to turn, including moving tires and the direction of the driver’s gaze. If there is a gap at an intersection, motorcycle riders should assume the car will turn and should therefore travel at speeds that make it possible to take preemptive action if the driver turns abruptly.
- Cars Changing Lanes
Due to their small size, motorcycles often go unnoticed to other drivers. For this reason, it is common for drivers to change lanes suddenly in front of approaching riders. As a motorcyclist, it is important to remember that you could be travelling in a driver’s blind spot.
At the same time, riders should be aware that if there is a gap in traffic, it is possible that a driver will change lanes and fill the gap. In these cases, be sure to slow down and observe the actions of surrounding vehicles.
Even minor motorcycle accidents can cause debilitating injuries. If you were in a crash and you were not at fault, contact Rensch & Rensch Law today at 1-800-471-4100. An Omaha personal-injury attorney from our firm can evaluate your crash and discuss the possibility of filing a civil lawsuit.
