Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Every road user in Ohio is at risk of getting into an accident. For motorcyclists, getting in an accident can mean relatively severe injuries, considering cyclists have very little protection. 

So, before getting on the road as a rider, you must know the main causes of motorcycle accidents and ways to avoid getting into one. This guide highlights the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Ohio and can be a great place to start for information about your safety. 

Poor Visibility

Motorcycles are relatively smaller than the average car. As such, it is pretty easy to go unnoticed on a road full of cars. Motorcyclists in Ohio must, by law, have their headlights on at all times while on a public road to increase their visibility. 

But you may want to go beyond what is mandated to increase your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothes by the day and reflective clothes by the night. Visibility worsens during the night, and it’s safest not to be on the road after dark unless unavoidable. 

Speeding

Speed limits are meant to ensure safety on the road and can vary with location. Also, different vehicles have different speed limitations by law. Speed limits can feel quite limiting if you are riding for the thrill, but sticking to them is a good idea. 

Speeding is a factor in approximately 10 percent of all reported accidents across America and 30 percent of all traffic fatalities. With the bicker having little to no protection on the road, accidents that occur at high speed will have all the odds against you. 

Intoxicated Driving

Like most states, Ohio has a 0.08% BAC limit for drivers and riders. Sadly, Ohio is among the states with the highest number of alcohol-related accident fatality rates, with some years recording as high as 54 percent of all road accident fatalities being a result of intoxicated driving. 

Even when you may not be intoxicated, other road users could be. So, look out for abnormal driving behavior and keep a safe distance. 

Traffic Rule Violations

Traffic rules ensure order and safety on the roads. Unfortunately, not everyone follows them. As a biker, your vulnerability on the road should be motivation enough to follow traffic rules. 

“Your adherence to traffic rules may not be enough because not everyone will be as careful to follow them as you are, so ride defensively. For example, don’t assume everyone will yield right of way or stop at a red light. So when approaching intersections, be mindful of traffic rules violators and only enter when it is safe,” says Holland motorcycle accident attorney Charles Boyk. 

What To Do After An Accident

Accidents occur even the most carefully. When they do, you want to ensure you take appropriate steps to get the best outcomes. First, seek medical attention even when you may not have apparent injuries. While at the scene, gather as much evidence as you can by taking pictures and recording video footage. 

Also, get witness accounts and contacts if they are willing to help with your case. Finally, get the other party’s vehicle registration and insurance information. This evidence and information become critical when building a case against the at-fault party. 

Getting a local lawyer also helps. The more narrowed down to your locality they are, the better. For example, a Holland motorcycle accident lawyer will be the best fit for an accident in Holland, Ohio. However, it would be best if you considered other factors such as experience and track record.