If you’re a biker, you know how exhilarating riding a motorcycle can be. You also know how essential it is to keep your shiny side up. Without the protection of a steel cage around you, traveling at high speeds can be thrilling, but it can also be deadly if an accident happens. Indeed, when more motorcyclists hit the open road, especially in times of warmer temperatures, the number of accidents involving motorcycles increases as well.
Indeed, congestion in cities and suburban areas increases as travel and tourism bring more traffic to these areas. Congested traffic on highways, interstates, and city streets can lead to motorcycle accidents and fatalities. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident and sustained injuries to yourself or your property, a reputable and capable motorcycle accident lawyer, like a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN, can fight for your rights and get you the compensation to which you are entitled to.
Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities is carelessness. Too often, other motor vehicle other operators on the road fail to provide motorcyclists with the space they need. Or, those drivers may be driving distracted or drowsy and fail to see motorcyclists at all.
This is especially true in the case of merging. Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, so it is very easy for drivers to miss seeing motorcycles when they are in their blind spots. For this reason, drivers of SUVs, pickups, commercial trucks, vans, and semi-trucks must be extra cautious. Interstates, toll roads, or highways pose an even more significant risk given their high speeds and numerous lanes.
More About Merging
If the driver of a motor vehicle changes lanes improperly and collides with another car while merging, that driver will be held liable from a legal perspective for any injuries or damages that result. Each driver on the road has a duty to ensure they are operating their vehicle with reasonable care. In the case of merging, this entails checking the mirrors and blind spots diligently to avoid crashes.
If a car, SUV, or truck driver cuts off a motorcycle while in the process of merging, the rider may be forced to swerve into the next lane or stop suddenly, leading to an accident. The driver operating the car, SUV, or truck can be held liable even if he or she was not involved in the collision. Thus, the at-fault driver may be held responsible for compensating any victims of the accident. This compensation may include covering the costs of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and monetary relief for pain and suffering.
Avoiding Merging Accidents with Motorcycles
To prevent or avoid merging accidents with motorcycles, follow these guidelines:
- Always give motorcycles the same amount of space you would give any other motor vehicle.
- Make sure to use the proper turn signals so others on the road know to give you the space you need.
- Check and recheck your blind spots.
Lastly, if a motorcycle accident happens to you, seek legal counsel. A knowledgeable, experienced, and a qualified legal professional can hold the at-fault party responsible and seek the compensation you need to recover fully.
Thanks to Patterson Bray, for their insight into merging accidents that can occur with motorcycles.