Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but some cyclists create greater risks for themselves and other motor vehicle drivers. Some motorcyclists’ behavior can lead to serious and catastrophic accidents. To increase driver awareness, a personal injury attorney at Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys At Law in Winston-Salem, NC, discusses a few common causes of accidents below.

A Personal Injury Attorney Shares the Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

1. Driver Inattention & Inexperience

Motorcycle-car collisions often occur at intersections, especially when cyclists make left-hand turns. Automobile drivers may not see or recognize motorcycle drivers due to the differences in size between cars and cycles. Inexperienced cyclists may not be aware of the dangers inherent in operating their vehicles. Inattentiveness and inexperience by one or both drivers can lead to head-on collisions, with the cyclist suffering more serious injury. North Carolina’s mandatory helmet law helps reduce the risk of cyclist head injuries.

2. DUI Drivers

More than 40% of all motorcycle crash fatalities involve alcoholic beverage consumption by one or more drivers. Personal injury and DUI attorneys know any driver under the influence of alcohol is a less safe driver. Driving a motorcycle requires even more skill, attention, and agility than driving a car, and motorcycle drivers have a greater risk of injury because they lack a car’s protection.

3. Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is risky conduct that often leads to accidents. Motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes may startle or confuse drivers, causing them to move their vehicles and inadvertently strike the cyclist or another vehicle.  

In Winston-Salem, the personal injury attorneys at Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys At Law offer strong advocacy for individuals injured in motorcycle accidents. Regardless of the cause, you can depend on these attorneys to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (336) 722-5700 to schedule a free consultation or visit their website now for more information about their legal services.