Our New Mexico Injury Lawyers Discuss Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen in an instant, often due to factors beyond your control. However, being aware of the common causes can help you ride more defensively and reduce your risk. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t face the legal process alone. Our skilled New Mexico motorcycle accident lawyers at Keller & Keller will work tirelessly to prove your case, allowing you to focus on healing while we pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Seven Reasons Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Every driver makes decisions that can prevent or cause a motorcycle crash. You can’t control these decisions, but you can anticipate common causes of motorcycle accidents, such as:
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Visibility
When drivers fail to properly check their surroundings, they can easily overlook a motorcycle. A motorcycle can be difficult to spot, especially in blind spots, because it is smaller than other vehicles. This lack of awareness often leads to accidents.
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Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and motorcyclists are especially at risk. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or interacting with passengers may not pay full attention to the road and may cause serious accidents.
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Speeding
Excessive speed can make it harder for drivers to react quickly to unexpected situations, such as a vehicle stopped ahead or an obstacle on the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention or a split-second delay in response can have serious consequences when traveling at excessive speeds.
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Driving Under the Influence
Drugged or drunk driving severely impairs judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. An impaired driver may not see a motorcycle until it's too late, or they may misjudge its speed and distance. Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk, especially vulnerable motorcyclists.
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Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes is when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents occur because the car driver either misjudges the motorcycle's speed or fails to see the motorcycle altogether.
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Tailgating
Following a motorcycle too closely leaves little room for reaction time if the motorcyclist needs to brake suddenly. Motorcycles can stop much faster than larger vehicles, and tailgating increases the risk of a rear-end collision. Maintaining a safe distance is crucial for avoiding accidents involving motorcycles.
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Failure to Yield
Failing to yield is a common cause of many crashes. If a driver fails to yield at intersections, while merging lanes, or during lane changes, this negligence can result in serious collisions, especially at higher speeds.
How Our New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
While it is possible to deal with a motorcycle accident on your own, having help from our experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney team may increase your chances of a successful outcome. A skilled lawyer will protect your rights, provide support, and do the following to help with your claim:
- Determine the amount of compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses so you do not accept a settlement for less than your claim is worth
- Investigate the cause of the crash, gather crucial evidence, such as police and medical reports, and reconstruct the events leading to the accident
- Work with expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to testify and provide insight, strengthening your motorcycle accident claim
- Handle negotiations with the insurance companies, and if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers can represent you in court, fighting for a fair settlement consistent with New Mexico motorcycle law
Keller & Keller motorcycle accident lawyers fight to win. We have been helping personal injury clients for more than 80 years. Together, we have recovered more than $500 million for our clients.
