The Top 10 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon. Many times, these accidents are fully preventable, meaning that if a person was not engaging in negligent behavior, the rider would not suffer such an accident. The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Talk to a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer from Selvidge Injury Law today.

#1: Distracted driving

Distracted driving occurs when a person is paying attention to anything but the road, and that distraction causes a driver to make a mistake. Distractions include talking or texting on a phone, talking to others in the vehicle, eating, or drinking.

#2: Intoxication

Alcohol and drug intoxication is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. When any driver is intoxicated, they are unable to respond to changing road conditions, and that often leads to injuries and losses due to accidents.

#3: Speed

Speeding makes it far more challenging for a driver to stop a vehicle, and as a result, it is harder to avoid a motorcycle or another vehicle that may have the right of way. Speeding also makes it more challenging for all drivers to control their vehicle.

#4: Inexperience

Either driver may be inexperienced on the roadway or unsure how to handle the roadway with a motorcycle. This inexperience can lead to numerous injuries and complications for drivers, including not knowing who has the right of way.

#5: Mechanical problems

In some situations, the motorcycle or the car suffers a mechanical failure that causes an accident. This can happen for many reasons, such as failed brakes or an out-of-date headlight. Mechanical problems can also lead to accidents when drivers are unable to stop properly.

#6: Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving, such as tailgating another driver or motorcycles that engage in lane splitting are also high risk activities that lead to an onset of accidents. There is less room to stop and more opportunity for an accident to occur in these situations.

#7: Weather and road conditions

Road conditions can also play a role in motorcycle accidents. While motorcycles may be more prone to damage in wet or icy conditions, all drivers sharing the road with a motorcycle must maintain proper control of their vehicle or could put others at risk.

#8: Left turns

Left turns are a very common type of motorcycle accident since it is very common for other drivers not to see the motorcycle and recognize that they do not have the right of way. Left turns at intersections often create the risk of a car hitting the motorcycle at a high rate of speed.

#9: Objects on the roadway

Objects on the road are more commonly problematic for motorcycle riders. If they come out of nowhere, such as an object being tossed out of a car window, there is a high risk of injury.

#10: Construction areas 

Gravel on roadways, uneven pavement, or other materials on the pavement can make it far more difficult for motorcycle riders to avoid accidents. Small changes in road conditions like this can carry a significant risk of injury.

These are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Though often preventable, many of these accidents can lead to serious injury and loss, warranting the help of an attorney if you were a victim.