Riding a motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom while you are on the open road. But motorcycles don’t provide the protection that enclosed vehicles do, making riders susceptible to accidents and serious injuries. Sadly, motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries or deaths. To keep yourself safe while riding a motorcycle and minimize your risk of an accident, understand the common causes of motorcycle crashes. At lawbike.com, you can explore information on the available resources you can use to protect your legal rights after a motorcycle crash and how to be safe while on the road. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Savannah

Motorcycle accidents can happen because of the following:

• Inattentive driving. A lot of motorcycle drivers are distracted by their behaviors, conversations, and smartphones, which results in them losing focus on the road. Such distracting activities such as adjusting music, texting, grooming, or eating tend to compromise the ability of a driver to react to changing conditions. As a result, they may collide with a motorcycle rider or drift into the lane of a rider. 
• Not yielding. Bigger vehicles must yield the right away to two-wheeled vehicles at intersections, during lane changes, or whenever they merge into highways. Otherwise, they can cause an accident. 
• Left-turn collisions. This type of accident happens if a motorcycle drives through an intersection while a car is making a left turn without giving the rider the right of way. Motorcycles are smaller than their four-wheeled counterparts, making them less visible to motorists when they turn. 
• Speeding and reckless driving. Speeding minimizes a driver’s reaction time. Motorists who operate their vehicles beyond the speed limit or maneuver their vehicles aggressively around motorcycle riders can lose control of their vehicles. As a result, they can strike riders.
• Lane splitting. Motorcycle riders who drive their vehicles between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic put themselves at risk of colliding with other vehicles. Vehicles may change lanes when motorcycles travel between them. 
• Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs are substances that can impair a driver’s judgment, slow their reaction time, and diminish their coordination. Driving under the influence of either substance can cause a driver to collide with another vehicle. 
• Inclement weather. Challenging weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow, and ice can reduce visibility, reduce traction, and create slippery road surfaces. These hazards can contribute to motorcycle accidents. 
• Defective motorcycle equipment. A motorcycle accident can happen because of equipment defects or mechanical failures. Common failures include tire blowouts, brakes, and problems with signals and lights. 
• Road hazards and conditions. Uneven surfaces, potholes, and debris can be risky for motorcycles. Loss of control from these hazards can lead to adverse consequences. 

Pursuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim with a Good Attorney

In a lot of situations, determining the party that caused a motorcycle accident is debatable. Insurers may blame the motorcycle rider and limit their payout. Motorcycle accident victims must hire a lawyer who can preserve vital evidence, speak with witnesses, and protect their right to compensation. 

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can thoroughly investigate their client’s accident to collect important evidence that can help them build a strong case. Also, they can handle talks with an insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement with it. The attorney has the best interest of their client in mind, ensuring they do not accept a settlement offer that does not cover their losses. 

Motorcycle crashes in Savannah are usually preventable. By understanding the common causes of these accidents, drivers can take their rides safely on the road. But sometimes, accidents can happen no matter how careful you may be because you have no control over other drivers’ behavior and actions. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, contact an attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options.