What Risk Factors Make a Motorcycle Accident More Likely?

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Content provided by legal writers

Since 2002 the number of registered on-road motorcycles has been steadily increasing, reaching 8.6 million by 2021, more than double the number in 2002. However, the volume of motorcycles on the road varies with season, with summer being bikers’ favorite season.  

Motorcycles are relatively riskier than riding in a car. But identifying the risks can help you steer clear of them and enjoy riding your motorcycle accident this summer without incident.  

Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors 

1. Speeding 

Speeding is always a risk factor, no matter the mode of transportation. While speeding in cars is dangerous, cars are more stable than motorcycles and are less likely to get out of control if it encounters a minor obstruction.   

The same can’t be said of motorcycles. It can take a slight change in the road surface to get a motorcycle out of control, endangering the life of the rider and other road users. This risk increases with the riding speed, so you may want to ensure that you stick to the posted speed limit even when your bike’s power can handle more than that. 

2. Poor Visibility 

Even the largest motorcycle will be smaller than the smallest car, making them increasingly difficult to notice when on the road. Even so, a motorist can not claim low visibility as a defense for hitting a motorcyclist because they owe every road user the duty of care. 

You can do a few things as a rider to improve your visibility, for example, wearing brightly colored clothes and riding with your headlights on even during the day. Low visibility increases with nighttime because low visibility affects not only the other driver but you too. If possible, avoid riding at night.  

3. Alcohol and Drug Impairment 

Alcohol and operating any vehicle or machine is always a bad idea. Everybody knows alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and balance, which are all important factors when operating a vehicle.  

According to the NHTSA, motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents in 2020 had a higher BAC than any other class of road users. Impairment gets worse where drugs and alcohol are a factor. Whatever you do, don’t operate a vehicle when drunk.  

4. Lack of Protective Gear 

Lack of protective gear may not be a causative factor in a motorcycle accident. But it is worth mentioning because protective gear can significantly affect an accident’s outcome. 

The first and most important protective gear is the helmet, which reduces the chances of head injuries, a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. When buying a helmet, ensure it meets DOT’s standards. A full-face helmet is the best option because it offers all-around protection. 

Other protective gears include denim or leather rider suits, eyeglasses, gloves, and riding boots. When choosing your boots go for one that covers your ankles.  

If You Get Into an Accident, Talk to a Specialist Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Identifying the common risk factors that make motorcycle accidents likely does not mean you cannot get injured while on the road. After all, you cannot control the actions of other road users.  

The good news is that you may be eligible for compensation if you get into a motorcycle accident caused by another road user. However, you must file a motorcycle injury claim against the at-fault party.  

But, You May Need a Lawyer 

With motorcycle accidents tending to result in relatively severe injuries, it would be best to work with a motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that you do not get anything other than what you deserve from your claim.  

Usually, the value of recoverable damages will depend on the damages suffered, with severe injuries attracting more damages.  


This content is provided by an independent source for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Consult an attorney or financial advisor when making decisions. This information is provided by legal writers and does not reflect the views or opinions of The Daily Sundial editorial staff.