Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina include distracted driving, drunk driving, and several other forms of driver negligence. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bike crash, you may be unsure how you’ll afford the medical bills that are piling up. Additionally, you may be dealing with severe pain, lost wages, and other challenges.

The good news is that a Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer can take on your case and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how an attorney can help you move forward after one of these incidents.

Distracted Driving Is a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina

When drivers occupy themselves with their cell phones or other distractions, they can easily fail to see motorcyclists and collide with them. You have the right to pursue compensation if you’ve suffered injuries and losses in an accident caused by a motorist who was preoccupied with one of the following distractions:

• Texting 
• Eating
• Turning around to talk to passengers
• Changing the radio station
• Using a GPS navigation device
• Reaching for something in another seat

If you ride a motorcycle, it’s common to ask yourself, “What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?” Doing so is completely normal and can help you stay safe when you’re on the road. If you’re riding your bike and see another motorist texting or engaging in one of the other distractions listed above, pull over and notify local law enforcement. 

Drunk Driving Can Lead to Serious Bike Crashes

Drunk driving is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina. When a driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, their judgment and reaction time can be seriously impaired, leading to accidents and life-threatening injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a bike collision caused by an impaired motorist, you have the right to seek damages.

An attorney can investigate the incident and use evidence of the driver’s elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) to build a strong claim on your behalf. A successful claim can yield compensation for your medical bills, ongoing medical treatment expenses, and a handful of other economic and non-economic losses. 

Other Forms of Driver Negligence That Cause Bike Crashes

While it’s true that distracted driving and impaired driving are behind many of the bike collisions that we see today, there are also a handful of other factors that contribute to these types of incidents. If you ride a motorcycle, you’ll want to stay alert on the road and look out for the following types of driver negligence:

• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• A parked car door suddenly opening
• Failure to monitor blind spots
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to signal lane changes

Familiarizing yourself with these common causes of North Carolina motorcycle accidents can help you protect yourself when going for a ride. However, staying alert and cautious can only help so much when negligent drivers take to the road. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you’ll want to turn to an experienced attorney for assistance with your physical and financial recovery.

Motorcyclists Can Also Be at Fault for an Accident

While many bike crashes are caused by inattentive or impaired drivers, motorcyclists also share a portion of the blame. If you ride a bike, you’ll want to avoid engaging in the following behaviors to avoid colliding with another vehicle and suffering serious motorcycle accident injuries:

• Speeding
• Weaving through traffic
• Tailgating
• Lane-splitting
• Unsafe passing and lane changes

Motorcyclists have just as much a duty to behave safely on the road as other drivers. Avoiding these negligent behaviors can help you protect yourself and everyone around you. Remember, an accident can happen at any time to anyone. Taking safety measures at all times is the best way to avoid a severe motorcycle accident.

Get the Assistance You Need to Recover From a Bike Crash

Understanding what are the primary causes of motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the road safely. Unfortunately, even the most cautious riders can suffer serious injuries due to the negligence of others. If you’ve been hurt in such an incident, our compassionate team of attorneys is here to help you get back on your feet.

At Whitley Law Firm, we have 90 years of combined experience and have helped countless bike crash victims get the financial support they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer. We’ll determine if you have grounds for a claim and answer any questions you have about the common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina.