Motorcyclists are vulnerable out on the road, and too often, they aren’t even noticed by other drivers. Motorcycle accidents often have a profound and devastating impact on victims, who can suffer very serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Medical bills for treating these injuries and other accident-related expenses can become overwhelming, leading to financial stress.
As May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, here’s a look at 10 common causes of motorcycle accidents in South Carolina.
Major causes of motorcycle wrecks in South Carolina
Left-Hand Turns
These occur when a vehicle makes a left turn at an intersection or into an entrance and crosses in front of a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction. A motorcycle's smaller size makes it less visible to turning drivers and misjudging its speed is common, often leading to collisions.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can easily fall into a vehicle's blind spot. When inattentive drivers fail to check these blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes, they can collide with a motorcyclist riding alongside them.
Speeding
Speeding increases the risk of accidents by reducing the rider's and other drivers' reaction times to unforeseen road conditions or actions by other road users. High-speed impacts are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who don't have any protection in a crash.
Following Too Closely
When a vehicle follows too closely behind a motorcycle, it may not have sufficient distance to stop without colliding with the motorcycle, especially if the motorcyclist has to brake suddenly. These kinds of crashes can cause the rider to be thrown off the bike.
Sideswiping
These can occur when a vehicle attempts to change lanes without giving a motorcyclist enough space. The sideswipe can destabilize the motorcycle, leading to crashes or forcing the rider to veer off the road.
Distracted Driving
This is a leading cause of all road accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Drivers distracted by their phones, navigation systems, or other activities are less likely to notice motorcycles, leading to collisions at intersections, during lane changes, or other traffic maneuvers.
Dooring
This type of accident happens when the driver of a parked car opens their door without noticing an approaching motorcyclist. The motorcycle can crash into the door, causing the rider to be thrown off the bike or into traffic.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Impairment by alcohol or drugs drastically reduces a driver's reaction time, decision-making ability, and overall vehicle control. Such impairment is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists who require quick reflexes from other road users to avoid collisions.
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
This negligent behavior can lead to side-impact collisions with motorcyclists who are lawfully proceeding through an intersection. These accidents are often severe due to the high speed at impact and the motorcyclist’s lack of protection.
Aggressive Driving
This includes behaviors such as speeding, erratic lane changes, tailgating, and other hostile acts on the road. Aggressive drivers may intentionally or unintentionally force motorcyclists into dangerous situations, like running them off the road or causing them to brake suddenly.
Injured in a South Carolina motorcycle wreck? We are here to help
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation. But drivers often deny doing anything wrong, and insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. That’s why you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side to protect your rights and aggressively advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law is ready to help. We fight for injured accident victims in Lexington, SC, and surrounding areas. Our attorneys were born and raised in South Carolina and are dedicated to making a difference. We know the impact a motorcycle crash can have on your life. That’s why we’re serious about winning.
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. We're ready to hear what injuries you're dealing with, listen to what happened, and help you understand what an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can do for your potential legal case.
