Motorcycle Collisions: Common Causes, Injuries, and How to Stay Safe

Motorcycle collisions often result in more severe consequences for motorcyclists compared to those in passenger vehicles. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the structural protection of doors, roofs, airbags, and seat belts. A motorcyclist’s only protection is the gear they wear—typically a helmet and protective clothing. When involved in an accident, motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer serious or life-threatening injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 28 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle collision, many factors contribute to why that is true, including the size and visibility of motorcycles when compared to passenger vehicles. When an accident happens because of negligent drivers’ actions, compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more may be available. At Eglet Law, we have plenty of experience with complex motorcycle collision cases and have been able to secure maximum compensation for our clients. We are also familiar with the dangers that come with riding a motorcycle, as well as common forms of manipulation and intimidation that may be used against the rider by the defending party.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an accident, Eglet Law, a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, NV, can help. Our skilled attorneys have plenty of experience litigating motorcycle collision cases and securing the compensation our clients deserve for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries due to their exposure. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden jolt or blow to the head can disrupt normal brain function. Helmets reduce the risk of TBI but cannot eliminate it entirely.
  • Road Rash: When a rider makes contact with the road surface, skin abrasions known as road rash can occur. Protective clothing helps reduce the severity.
  • Fractures: Legs, arms, wrists, and ankles are commonly broken when a rider tries to brace for impact or gets caught in a crash.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or full paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage organs or cause internal bleeding that may require emergency medical treatment.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve other drivers failing to notice or properly accommodate motorcyclists. Motorcycle laws are put in place with the safety of motorcyclists and other drivers in mind. Frequent causes include:

  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers often fail to check their blind spots, causing them to merge into a motorcyclist’s path.
  • Sudden Stops: Rear-end collisions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who can be thrown from their bikes even in low-speed impacts.
  • Left-Hand Turns: One of the most dangerous scenarios occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
  • Open Car Doors: Parked drivers opening doors without checking can block a rider’s path, leading to a crash.
  • Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, pavement cracks, debris, and poor signage pose a much greater threat to motorcycles than passenger vehicles.
  • Motorcycle Defects: Mechanical issues such as brake failure or tire defects can cause serious accidents. In such cases, manufacturers or retailers may be held liable.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting controls, or otherwise not paying attention may not see motorcyclists in time to avoid a collision.

How Motorcyclists Can Stay Safe

While not all collisions are avoidable, motorcyclists can take several proactive measures to reduce their risk:

  • Take a Safety Course: Motorcycle safety courses build rider confidence and teach defensive driving strategies, including how to handle unexpected hazards.
  • Wear Protective Gear: A DOT-approved helmet, riding gloves, armored jackets and pants, and durable boots provide crucial protection against impact and abrasions.
  • Stay Visible: Avoid blind spots, use turn signals or hand signals, and wear bright or reflective gear to increase visibility.
  • Ride Defensively: Never assume other drivers can see you. Be prepared for sudden lane changes or stops, and maintain safe distances.
  • Inspect Before Riding: Check your lights, brakes, tire pressure, oil levels, and mirrors before each ride to ensure your motorcycle is in safe working condition.
  • Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all signals, speed limits, and road signs to minimize your risk on the road.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle collision, please don’t hesitate to call a motorcycle collision law firm in Las Vegas, NV. The experienced attorneys at Eglet Law have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for injured clients and have obtained more multimillion-dollar verdicts than any other catastrophic injury firm in Nevada. Call Eglet Law to set up a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys who can assess your case and help you decide how to proceed.