Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

There were 5,172 motorcyclists killed in 2017 according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s one of the dangers that people on motorcycles face every time they get on their vehicle to ride. The lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau have seen so many fatal motorcycle accidents in the Daytona Beach, FL area, and are committed to helping families who’ve lost their loved ones as a result of other people’s negligence.

Our attorneys would like to go over some of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes below. If you’ve lost someone close to you in a motorcycle crash, we can discuss the accident with you in greater detail.

Speeding

According to figures from the NHTSA, speeding played a role in 26 percent of auto accident fatalities in 2017. Excessive speed means less vehicle control and a greater likelihood of striking other vehicles on the road. Given the vulnerability of motorcyclists, excessive speed can be deadly.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving covers a whole range of dangerous behaviors on the road, which may include weaving in and out of traffic, aggressive or antagonistic driving, cutting others off, and street racing.

Drunk Driving

According to the NHTSA, 28 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2017 were drunk at the time of their collision. This is another reminder that drinking and driving are a bad combination. Never operate any vehicle after having a few drinks. Wait until you are sober, get a ride from friends, or call an Uber or Lyft instead.

Motorcyclist Inexperience

Many times motorcycle accidents happen with novice motorcyclists. Operating a motorcycle can be extremely difficult if you are unfamiliar with the vehicle, and it can take years before it feels comfortable. Our Daytona Beach lawyers have noticed a number of novice motorcyclists have made costly, even fatal, mistakes when they’re first on the road. Be cautious when you’re starting out.

The Actions of Other Drivers

We’ve focused primarily on the actions of motorcyclists themselves, but the actions of other motorists can obviously lead to fatal collisions. Speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and failure to observe the rules of the road could cause a car or truck to strike a motorcyclist. In addition, some drivers fail to check their blind spots before turning or merging, which can lead to fatal collisions with a motorcyclist.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Problems with the brakes, steering systems, or other parts of a motorcycle could turn an otherwise safe vehicle into an accident waiting to happen. Vehicle manufacturers and mechanics should be held accountable for mistakes they’ve made in the faulty design or maintenance of a motorcycle.

Bad Weather

Rain, fog, and high winds make the road deadly for all motorists, but especially for motorcyclists. Any conditions in which visibility and traction are impaired could spell disaster for even a seasoned motorcyclist who is safe when they ride.

Poor Road Conditions

Whether it’s debris on the road or a lot of potholes, hazards on the roadways can result in the loss of vehicle control. Other dangerous road conditions include blind turns, tight turns, a lack of signage, a lack of light, and a lack of road lines or markers.

Speak with Our Team of Attorneys

For more information about what you can do after losing a loved one in a motorcycle crash, contact our team of fatal accident attorneys. Chanfrau & Chanfrau can be reached by phone in Daytona Beach at (866) 610-0653 and in Palm Coast at (386) 439-7760.