Considering there are far fewer motorcycles (only about 3% of registered vehicles) than cars and trucks on the road, the percentage of motorcycle traffic fatalities (around 13% of total roadway fatalities) is disproportionately high. This unsettling statistic begs the question: Why are accidents involving motorcycles so common? New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney Brad Tabakin has worked on cases involving a wide range of motorcycle crash varieties. As a rider himself, he started the Bikers Have Rights community to raise awareness about riders’ rights and how to avoid the potentially disastrous effects of motorcycle accidents. Today, we’ll focus on some of the primary reasons why car-motorcycle wrecks occur and share strategies for riding safe and smart.
Why Are Motorcycle Crashes So Common?
In the experience of our founder, experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney Brad Tabakin, these are some of the most common causes of roadway incidents involving motorcycles:
- Unawareness – Since motorcycles are rarer to see on the road than cars – especially when the weather is very cold or hot – other drivers may not be expecting to see bikers on the road. For this reason, it’s more likely for other drivers to make an untimely merge and collide with a biker. Motorcyclists can make themselves as visible as possible by wearing brightly colored clothing and properly maintaining/using their bike’s lights.
- Misjudgment – A very common culprit of car-motorcycle collisions is miscalculation of how fast a motorcyclist is traveling or how far away they are from a passenger vehicle. This is often the case in a left-turn motorcycle accident, wherein a car turns in front of a motorcycle and the biker does not have enough time to change their course or hit the brakes to avoid crossing paths.
- Vehicle Size Differences – The typical automobile weighs around 4,000 pounds or more, while a tractor trailer carrying cargo could weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. By comparison, the average motorcycle weighs a mere 700 pounds. Bikers also get significantly less protection since they are not enclosed inside of a vehicle.
While not an exhaustive list, these are some of the top reasons why motorcycle accidents remain prevalent nationwide.
PA & NJ Bikers Trust Brad Tabakin for Expert Legal Advice
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, no matter the cause, it’s vital to have support from a seasoned personal injury lawyer who displays a combination of compassion and expertise. Pennsylvania & New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney Brad Tabakin provides three decades of legal expertise enhanced by in-depth knowledge of motorcycle laws, gained through being an avid rider himself. He can evaluate your case and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for damages, thereby defending your rights. To speak with Brad, call (215) 402-7715 today.