North Carolina offers many scenic roads that are popular with motorcyclists in good weather. Some motorcyclists even enjoy using their bikes as their primary mode of transportation. But whether you are riding for leisure or convenience it does not negate the fact that you could be struck by a negligent motorist.
How do motorists cause motorcycle accidents?
Motorists making a left-hand turn without looking first can strike a motorcyclist. These “T-bone” crashes are among the primary causes of motorcycle accidents worldwide. Generally, these types of accidents occur when a motorist is not paying attention or if a motorist is not looking at their blind spot before turning.
Distracted motorists also are a danger to motorcyclists. There are three main ways a motorist can be distracted. They are:
- Visual distractions in which a motorist does not have their eyes on the road.
- Manual distractions in which a motorist takes their hand(s) off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distractions in which a motorist is not paying attention to their surroundings
Any of these distractions can lead to a motorcycle accident.
Some traffic features that may seem insignificant to a motorist can prove to be deadly to motorcyclists. For example, a sudden stop, unexpected lane change or even opening a door can cause serious or even fatal motorcycle accidents.
Can motorcyclists keep themselves safe?
Fortunately, there are some ways motorcyclists can try to protect themselves from motorcycle accidents. They can wear protective clothing, always wear a helmet, avoid alcohol before riding and they can make sure their bikes are in good mechanical condition.
Still, even the most prudent motorcyclist can be struck by a negligent motorist. If this happens to you, you will want to explore the various avenues of compensation available, including pursuing court action if you believe that is your best option.