Motorcyclists face multiple hazards while they are riding in the Bay Area. Recent motorcycle accidents in the Bay Area prove this point. A motorcyclist in San Jose died after colliding into a vehicle that was making a left-hand turn. According to law enforcement, the interior of the motorist’s vehicle smelled heavily of marijuana. We are also representing a motorcyclist who suffered injuries during an accident on Highway 17. As a motorcyclist, it is important to understand which hazards pose the greatest risk to your safety. Our blog may help familiarize you with common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Bay Area.
- Left-turn accidents. An estimated 36 percent of motorcycle accidents occur when motorists make left turns in front of riders. These accidents can occur when a motorist does not give a motorcyclist the right-of-way. Motorists may not see motorcyclists before turning.
- Unsafe lane changes. Motorists can collide into motorcyclists while changing lanes. This type of collision may occur when motorists do not check their blind spots before changing lanes.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a common cause of motorcycle and car accidents in the US. Drivers who are not paying attention may slam into motorcyclists from behind. Distracted motorists may also cause rear-end collisions by suddenly hitting the brakes.
- Lane splitting accidents. Lane splitting is legal in California. However, riding in-between other vehicles comes with risks. Motorists may not see approaching motorcyclists. If a motorist turns or changes lanes as a motorcycle is passing, it could cause an accident.
- Head-on collisions. There are multiple reasons why motorists can cause head-on collisions with motorcyclists. Drunk, drowsy or distracted motorists may cause head-on collisions.