While Missouri motorcycle accidents have many underlying causes, most have one thing in common: human error. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash due to another’s fault, you have the right to obtain compensation for your losses.
The St. Charles, MO, motorcycle accident attorney at Ryan R. Cox & Associates believes in helping crash victims seek justice and fair compensation. Some of the most common forms of negligence that lead to Missouri motorcycle collisions include:
Distracted Driving
Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, a moment of distraction on the part of another vehicle’s driver can lead to severe motorcycle accidents. Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS can divert a driver’s attention from the road so they don’t see the motorcycle they crash into.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding drivers may not see a motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash, especially on curves or at intersections where visibility is limited.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, along with reducing their reaction times and impeding their judgment. These combined factors make drivers who are under the influence of these substances an extreme danger to motorcyclists.
Failure to Yield
Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way. This often happens at intersections or when drivers turn left in front of oncoming motorcycles. In many cases, failure-to-yield crashes result from drivers misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or not seeing it at all.
Following Too Closely
Motorcycles can stop faster than cars, so when drivers follow too closely, rear-end collisions can result.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles are easily hidden in a car’s blind spot, and an abrupt lane change can lead to a dangerous situation. Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling can collide with motorcyclists.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or ice, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. While other drivers cannot control the weather, they can and should adjust their driving behavior in poor weather conditions to keep themselves and others safe, including motorcyclists.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive drivers may not give motorcyclists the space they need to ride safely. Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and acting on road rage impulses can endanger motorcyclists and others on the road.
What Our Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
When a careless driver or another negligent party causes a crash, and you sustain injuries while riding your motorcycle, the team at Ryan R. Cox & Associates can help you rebuild your life. While you rest and heal, we’ll investigate the crash to determine who is liable. From there, we’ll file an insurance claim on your behalf, fully document your injuries and other losses, and negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement. If the liable party and their insurance company won’t make a fair settlement offer, we’ll vigorously argue your case at trial.
Trust Ryan R. Cox & Associates to help you secure fair compensation for your losses after a motorcycle accident. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.