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Motorcycle accidents can result in serious financial, emotional, and physical damages for Oregon residents. If you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle collision, however, you could hold the at-fault driver accountable for your losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
To secure compensation for your claim, you will need to prove that someone else’s actions caused your collision. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following.
Many motorcycle accidents occur when motor vehicles make left-hand turns. A driver may fail to check for oncoming vehicles before making a turn an collide into an oncoming motorcyclist driving straight through an intersection. The motorcyclist may also be trying to pass the car while making the left-hand turn, and the motorist fails to check his or her blind spots before making the turn.
Speed limits are important to help keep motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists safe on the road. If a driver is operating over the speed limit, he or she will not have enough time to respond to unexpected hazard or stop when necessary—increasing the chances of a collision. Motorcyclists who are struct by speeding drivers can suffer serious injuries. The higher the speed, the greater the impact.
Alcohol and drugs impair many of functions necessary for safe driving. These substances impact concentration, memory, judgement, motor skills, and vision. If a driver is intoxicated, he or she can easily commit a negligent act and collide into a motorcyclist, leading to severe injuries. Drunk or drugged drivers could face both civil and criminal liability for accidents they cause.
When motor vehicles and motorcyclists are sharing the road, it is important to leave enough space between vehicles in case of an unexpected hazard. If a driver is following a motorcyclist too closely, the driver can easily collide into the back of the motorcyclist if he or she needs to make a sudden stop. Following too closely, also known as tailgating, can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries.
Before changing lanes, drivers have a responsibility to check and make sure that the lane is clear prior to moving over. Unfortunately, some drivers change lanes without looking or rely on their mirrors to make sure the road is clear. A motorcyclist traveling in that lane can be caught in the driver’s blind spot, leading to a serious collision during the merge.
Not all motorcycle accidents occur due to negligent driving behaviors. In some cases, dangerous road conditions and poorly designed streets can lead to these collisions. For example, neglected potholes, cracked pavement, sharp turns, or debris on the road can cause motorcyclists to lose control of his or her vehicle.
To operate a vehicle safely, drivers need to concentrate their eyes, mind, and hands on the act of driving. Certain distractions, such as texting, eating, drinking, or even fiddling with a radio or GPS system, could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or fail to respond to hazards. As a result, distracted driving can lead to serious motorcycle collisions.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s actions, you may be eligible for financial compensation. In these situations, it is important to speak to an Oregon motorcycle accident attorney and identify your optimal path to recovery. As soon as possible following your collision, schedule a consultation with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
