Although motorcyclists may be miscategorized as dangerous and rebellious drivers, a motorcycle accident attorney in New Albany Indiana can explain that many motorcycle accidents are actually caused by the driver of a passenger vehicle. Being aware of some of the common causes of these accidents may help you avoid needing the services of a motorcycle accident attorney in New Albany Indiana. However, if you have done all you can to avoid an accident and still wound up hurt, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to protect your legal rights.

Left-Hand Turns

Some statistics report that up to approximately 42 percent of motorcycle accidents are caused when a car is turning left in front of a motorcycle that is attempting to head straight through the intersection, passing the car or attempting to overtake the car. This cause is more common in motorcycle accidents due to the decreased visibility of a motorcycle.

Decreased Visibility

In addition to left-hand turns, drivers of passenger vehicles may fail to see or look out for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are smaller in stature, making them easier to slip into blind spots. They may change lanes in the direct path of a motorcyclist.

Alcohol Use

Alcohol consumption by the driver of the passenger vehicle or the motorcyclist is involved in many motorcycle accidents.

Road Conditions

Due to their close contact with the roadway, motorcyclists are more susceptible to being involved in accidents due to road conditions. A motorcyclist may crash after hitting a pothole, uneven roadways or road debris. Gravel can get under a motorcycle’s tires and cause the motorcyclist to lose his or her balance. Slippery roads due to rain, sleet or snow can also pose an additional hazard to motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting

Motorcyclists must obey the same Indiana and Kentucky laws as drivers of other vehicles. When a motorcyclist shares the same space as another cyclist in a lane, he or she puts other drivers at risk.