Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in West Virginia

POV of a motorcyclist riding down the road.

Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in crashes than passenger vehicle occupants, often because other motorists fail to notice them. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorists can prevent accidents by raising their awareness about what causes bike wrecks.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Safety Month

This Motorcycle Awareness Safety Month, the personal injury lawyers at Recht Law Offices are educating other drivers about the vulnerabilities of motorcycles and advocating for better driving practices to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents in West Virginia and the Tri-State area.

What causes motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are frequently the result of other drivers’ lack of awareness and understanding of motorcycles' presence and needs on the road. Here are some common causes:

Failure to see motorcycles. Motorcycles have a smaller visual profile, which can make them less noticeable to car drivers. This often leads to accidents where drivers may inadvertently cut off or collide with motorcyclists.
Left-turn accidents. Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may not see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed, leading to catastrophic results.
Unsafe lane changes. Drivers who do not check their blind spots or signal when changing lanes can easily miss spotting a nearby motorcycle. This can force motorcyclists to take evasive actions that may lead to accidents.
Opening car doors or "dooring." In urban settings, drivers or passengers who open car doors without checking for oncoming traffic can create a sudden and dangerous obstacle for motorcyclists.
Rear-end collisions. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars can. Distracted drivers can fail to notice a motorcycle stopping or slowing down and rear-end them.

Drivers can significantly reduce these and other common motorcycle accident hazards by improving their awareness of motorcyclists' presence and dedicating themselves to remaining focused on the road.

Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, and internal injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes.

Insurance companies frequently try to minimize claims by disputing the severity of injuries, arguing that the motorcyclist was at fault, or offering settlements that are much lower than the actual medical costs and damages incurred. They may also challenge the necessity of certain medical treatments or the estimated future costs associated with the injury. This makes it essential for injured motorcyclists to seek legal representation to ensure they receive fair and full compensation for their injuries and losses.

After a motorcycle accident, call an attorney

Motorcycle riders injured in accidents they didn't cause face significant challenges when seeking insurance compensation. There's a persistent and unfair stereotype that all motorcyclists are "inherently reckless," which can influence how insurers and jurors view their claims, often resulting in reduced settlements.

At Recht Law Offices, our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for injured bikers' rights. We know how to overcome insurance biases and conduct thorough investigations that reveal concrete evidence that adjusters cannot ignore.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a Tri-State area motorcycle accident, contact us for a free case evaluation. We're here to listen and advocate for the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. We have offices in Pittsburgh, PA, and Weirton, WV, and we handle cases in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.