50,000 motorcyclists are injured in traffic accidents every year in the United States and 5,000 more are killed. This, according to data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Because of their relative lack of protection from injury, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups of road users.
Drivers of automobiles and trucks have an obligation to share streets and highways with motorcycle riders. Unfortunately, however, other drivers are sometimes inattentive and they fail to recognize the presence of those on bikes, or to anticipate their movements.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents caused by car and truck drivers are:
- Failure to see the motorcyclist
- Inattention and distraction (including the use of cell phones and other electronic devices)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving
At O’Steen & Harrison, we understand the special requirements associated with handling motorcycle accident cases. |
