Common Causes of
Motorcycle Accidents

Serving Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and clients throughout Florida

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles takes motorcycle accidents seriously. In 2010 there were over 7,000 accidents on Florida highways. Because these accidents can be devastating and extremely costly, it is imperative that accident victims have adequate representation by their side.

The lack of protection a motorcycle provides can lead riders as well as their passengers to incapacitation or even to death. The actions of a negligent driver who was the cause of a motorcycle accident must be highlighted and brought to light, which is how an attorney can help.

Errors Made by Vehicle Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of motorcycle accidents involve a passenger vehicle. Sometimes these crashes are caused by driver negligence. These errors can include:

1. Violating the right of way laws for motorcycle riders
2. Turning in front of a motorcycle
3. Speeding
4. Distracted driving
5. Failing to give a motorcycle rider enough space
6. Tailgating
7. Switching lanes without signaling
8. Cutting off a motorcycle rider
9. Failing to see a motorcycle rider
10. Failing to look for a rider when turning right

Errors Made by Riders

Sometimes fatal and serious motorcycle accidents are not caused by the driver; instead, they are caused by the motorcycle rider. These errors can include, but are not limited to:

1. Speeding
2. Riding too closely to another vehicle
3. Riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
4. Operating a motorcycle in poor weather conditions or on dangerous road conditions
5. Inexperience
6. Driving too fast for the weather
7. Ignoring traffic signals or signs

Road Hazards Can Cause Single Bike Accidents Too

Sometimes a bike will be involved in an accident, but road hazards are often to blame, rather than the rider or another driver.

From poor road design to maintenance and construction, there are numerous road hazards that put the lives of motorcycle riders at risk every day. Some road hazards that can put motorcycle riders at risk include:

1. Pavement ridges without proper tapering
2. Potholes
3. Slick materials that are left on road surfaces
4. Fluid spills that can result in a loss of traction
5. Roadway debris
6. Metal road surface components – whether permanent or temporary
7. Roadside barriers
8. Work-zone signage that is improperly placed

What to do After a Motorcycle Crash

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several critical steps you need to take—not only for your health and safety but also for the integrity of your case. Some steps to take include:

1. Getting out of the way of oncoming traffic (if possible). If you are lying on the ground, cars may not see you, which increase the chances for a second collision with an oncoming vehicle.
2. Calling 911 immediately to and filing a crash report with the police.
3. Exchanging information with the other driver, including insurance information.
4. Collecting any photographs you can with your camera or phone.
5. Providing an honest statement to the police.
6. Seeking medical treatment right away. Even if you have minor injuries, you should be cleared by a medical professional because you could have more serious injuries that are not showing symptoms as of yet.

Lastly, contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney can protect your rights and help you file your motorcycle accident claim against the city, negligent driver or even the manufacturer of the motorcycle.

Contact Our Team of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Now!

If you were in a collision on a motorcycle, there are a lot of questions you may have. While you need to remain calm, you should also seek legal counsel regarding your case and your claim. The attorneys at Hardesty, Tyde & Ashton, P. A. are here to help you with your case. We have years of experiencing helping accident victims and we can help you, too.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We will assess your case and can tell you right away if you have a valid accident claim.