A motorcycle accident can happen anywhere at any time, even if you are following the law and using all precautions possible. Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri can help you to prepare as a motorcyclist each and every time you head out on the road.
Being hit from behind
Unfortunately, one of the most common ways a motorcycle accident occurs involves another vehicle simply running into or slamming into a motorcycle. Because motorists are typically familiar with the size and shape of standard vehicles, they are more likely to overlook a motorcycle driver due to being distracted or simply not paying enough attention to what is in front of them.
Left turn failure
Motorcyclists are most likely to encounter issues with passenger car drivers during left turns. If you are driving a motorcycle, always keep an eye on your surroundings to ensure you know whether a driver next to you intends to make a left turn near you before hitting the gas.
Lane switch trouble
Oftentimes, those who ride motorcycles complain of lane switch failures. Whether the motorcyclist is not properly signaling their lane switch or if other motorists fail to see a motorcyclist’s signal, lane switch issues can lead to injury accidents that in some cases can be fatal.
Lane-splitting
Lane-splitting is commonly observed on larger roads with multiple lanes and plenty of free-flowing traffic. An individual driving a motorcycle may share a lane with another motorist given there is enough room for the two of them between the lane lines. However, this can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities when other motorists ignore the motorcyclist or do not see them near or next to them.
