Every year, thousands of motorcycle accidents occur across the United States. These crashes often result in devastating injuries: broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage, to name a few.
While motorcyclists face the same traffic as everyone else, they are far more vulnerable when something goes wrong. A moment of carelessness, a poorly maintained road, or a driver who simply doesn’t look twice can turn a routine ride into a catastrophe.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Seek Legal Help From a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most common—and deadliest—types of motorcycle accidents happens when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming rider. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it entirely, cutting across the rider’s path at an intersection. These collisions leave motorcyclists with little time to react and often result in serious injuries.
Road Hazards
Unlike motor vehicles with four wheels and stability systems, motorcycles require constant balance. What might be a minor inconvenience for a car can be catastrophic for a motorcycle. Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, debris, and wet leaves can all cause a rider to lose control. Construction zones and poorly marked road work add even more risk.
Defective Equipment
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the road or another driver; it’s the motorcycle itself. Faulty brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning throttles can cause crashes even when you’ve done everything right. These auto defects may not become apparent until it’s too late, such as when you need to stop quickly or navigate a sharp turn.
Distracted and Impaired Drivers
From texting and driving to adjusting a playlist, distracted driving is everywhere, and motorcyclists pay the price. Add impaired drivers into the mix, and the roads become even more dangerous. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it harder for drivers to notice motorcycles or respond to changing traffic conditions. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a collision.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating is dangerous for everyone, but it is especially hazardous for motorcyclists. If a car follows too closely and the rider needs to brake suddenly, there’s nowhere to go. Rear-end collisions can throw a rider from their bike, leading to severe injuries or even death. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than most cars, which means tailgating drivers often do not realize the danger until impact is unavoidable.
Unsafe Lane Changes and Dooring
Motorcycles can disappear into a vehicle’s blind spot in seconds. When drivers change lanes without checking carefully, they can sideswipe or cut off a rider with devastating results. Dooring is another serious hazard, especially in urban areas—when someone opens a car door into traffic without looking, a motorcyclist has almost no time to avoid a collision.
Get Legal Help After Your Motorcycle Accident
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Whether you are facing medical bills, lost wages, or the long-term effects of serious injuries, an attorney will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
A Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer will explain your legal options and help you identify the optimal path to compensation. There’s no obligation and no upfront cost—just honest answers about the strength of your claim. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward compensation and accountability.