If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, then we don’t have to tell you about the joy that comes with the ride. But you may need information on a more uncomfortable topic, and that is the risk of getting into an accident. The feeling of freedom that makes riding so unique is offset by the fact that when things go wrong, there’s very little between you and the road, or another vehicle for that matter. To minimize your chance of injury it is important that you make sure that your bike is in tip-top condition and that you are properly equipped with all of the best safety gear, including a top quality helmet. You can also help yourself by understanding where the greatest risks come from. We are providing you with this helpful list of five common causes of motorcycle accidents in the hope that it provides you with the protection that you need. If you do get into a motorcycle accident and you suffer an injury as a result of another driver’s negligence, we can help with that too. Contact the Igwe Firm to learn more about how we can fight for your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.

1. The motorcycle accident that happens most frequently occurs when a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction turns left in front of you. It often happens without warning and without benefit of a turn signal, and though motorists tend to say that the motorcyclist came from out of nowhere, it is usually a matter of them not taking note of you and your bike because they are mentally looking for cars.
2. Motorcycles are automatically at a disadvantage when it comes to stability because they are on two weeks instead of four, and nowhere is this more obvious then when you hit a patch of gravel or oil on the road. It generally happens when you are rounding a corner too fast, as otherwise you would be able to see the issue from a distance. The best way to avoid this is to slow down when you are entering a blind spot area. Once you’ve seen that the roadway is clear, you can speed up again.
3. Speaking of slowing down, the third most common cause of motorcycle accidents is simply entering a turn at too high a rate of speed. It may be part of the excitement of the ride, but it also can end very badly.
4. You’re riding in your lane, minding your own business, when suddenly the car in the lane next to you shifts directly into you. The fault usually lies with the fact that we are in the driver’s blind spot. No doubt that it is their responsibility to thoroughly check to make sure that there’s nobody there, but in the meantime it is you that ends up in the hospital. Try to be mindful of blind spots and either speed up or slow down to avoid positioning yourself there.
5. Finally, there’s the accident that also afflicts the drivers of passenger cars – being rear ended. Though these can be minor accidents in automobiles, when you’re unprotected by bumpers and steel cages the result can be devastating. The best way to avoid being rear ended is to pull to the side, whether next to the car that was in front of you or simply to clear the way for the driver behind.

As is true with all driving, defensive operation of your bike can save your life. If you are involved in an accident and you believe it was caused by negligence or carelessness of the other driver, call the Igwe Firm to learn more about how we can help.