Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents pose serious risks to riders in states like Colorado, Idaho, and Montana, where scenic highways and winding roads attract motorcyclists year-round. Unfortunately, negligent behaviors of other motorists, such as distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield, place motorcyclists at an increased risk of serious injury or even death.

In the face of such risks, the motorcycle accident attorney in Castle Rock at Mountain States Injury Law stands ready to provide robust legal representation to recover maximum damages for injured motorcyclists. We will move fast to collect strong evidence and hold the negligent parties liable for your injuries and losses.

Motorcycle Accidents: Common Types

At Mountain States Injury Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in handling all types of motorcycle crashes resulting from the negligence of other vehicle drivers. These include:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when a motorist fails to maintain a safe following distance and collides with the rear of a motorcycle. These accidents can happen at intersections, traffic signals, or congested traffic conditions. In many cases, the driver’s inattention, distraction, or failure to react in time leads to rear-end collisions with motorcycles, causing significant injuries to motorcycle riders.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents are another common type of motorcycle collision caused by the negligence of other motorists. These accidents typically occur when a driver makes a left turn at an intersection or driveway, crossing the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Failure to yield the right of way, misjudgment of the motorcycle’s speed, or distraction can contribute to these motorcycle accident cases, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.

Failure to Yield Accidents

Failure to yield ranks among the top motorcycle accident causes. These accidents occur when a motorist violates the right of way of a motorcycle, such as at intersections, roundabouts, or when merging onto highways. Whether due to distraction, impatience, or ignorance of traffic laws, failure to yield to motorcycles can have devastating consequences, including catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries or fatalities.

Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents occur when a motorist fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, resulting in a collision with a motorcycle traveling in the adjacent lane. These accidents highlight the importance of thorough observation and awareness of surrounding vehicles to prevent collisions, especially with smaller and less visible motorcycles.

T-Bone Collisions

T-Bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle perpendicular to its direction of travel, forming a “T” shape. These common motorcycle accident injuries often happen at intersections or when a driver disregards a stop sign or traffic signal, resulting in a devastating impact that can cause severe injuries or fatalities to motorcyclists.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions involve a motor vehicle crashing into a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction, often with catastrophic consequences. These accidents typically occur on undivided highways, rural roads, or during overtaking maneuvers. Factors such as speeding, reckless driving, or impairment can contribute to head-on collisions, posing serious risks to motorcycle riders.

Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents involving motorcycles occur at crossroads where vehicles traveling from different directions converge. This type of motorcycle accident case often results from drivers failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, or making improper turns. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable at intersections, as they may be less visible to other motorists or may not be anticipated by drivers.

Lane Change and Merge Accidents

Lane change and merge accidents occur when a motorist fails to check blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes or merging into traffic, leading to a collision with a motorcycle-riding individual. Negligent lane changes, sudden merges, or failure to observe traffic patterns can all contribute to these accidents, placing motorcyclists at risk of injury or death.

Lane Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting motorcycle accidents occur when a motorcyclist maneuvers between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, often resulting in collisions with other vehicles. While lane splitting is legal in some states, it requires caution and awareness from both motorcyclists and motorists to prevent accidents. Failure to anticipate lane-splitting motorcyclists or sudden lane changes by other drivers can lead to collisions and injuries.

Lane Switching

Lane switching motorcycle accidents occur when a motorist abruptly changes lanes without signaling or checking for nearby motorcycles, resulting in a collision. These accidents often happen on multi-lane highways or during congested traffic conditions, highlighting the importance of signaling and checking blind spots before changing lanes to prevent collisions with motorcycles.

Lane Sharing

Lane sharing accidents involve two motorcycles riding side-by-side within the same lane, often resulting in collisions due to limited space and maneuverability. While lane sharing is legal in some states, it requires coordination and caution from both riders to avoid accidents. Failure to maintain a safe distance or anticipate sudden movements can lead to collisions and injuries.

Lane Filtering

Lane filtering accidents occur when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, similar to lane splitting. However, lane filtering typically refers to motorcycles filtering to the front of traffic at intersections. Like lane splitting, lane filtering requires caution and awareness to prevent accidents, especially from car drivers making sudden movements or lane changes without signaling.

Door Collisions

Door collisions occur when a driver or passenger of a parked vehicle opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a collision. These accidents often happen in urban areas where vehicles are parallel parked along streets. The negligent opening of car doors without checking for approaching motorcycles can cause serious injuries to riders.

Construction Zone Accidents

Construction zone accidents involving motorcycles occur when road construction or maintenance activities create hazards or obstacles for riders. Reduced lane widths, lane closures, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and unclear signage can all contribute to accidents in construction zones. Motorcyclists may encounter unexpected obstacles or changes in road conditions, increasing the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or construction equipment.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Hazardous road conditions can contribute to motorcycle accidents when neglected or poorly maintained roads pose dangers to riders. Potholes, uneven surfaces, gravel, oil spills, or debris on the roadway can cause motorcyclists to lose control or skid, resulting in accidents. Moreover, inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice can exacerbate road hazards, further increasing the risk of accidents for motorcyclists.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents involve a motorist striking a motorcycle and fleeing the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information. These cowardly acts deprive victims of immediate medical attention and hinder the investigation process. Hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Serious bike crashes involving head injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic injuries can occur even if you are an expert motorcyclist and have taken a motorcycle safety course. Appropriate steps in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can protect your well-being and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Safety

Prioritize safety above all else. Move to a safe location if possible, away from traffic and potential hazards. Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries and seek medical attention immediately if needed.

Call Emergency Services

Contact emergency services, including the police and medical responders, to report the accident. Police presence is crucial for documenting the scene, gathering evidence, and creating an official accident report, which can be invaluable for your insurance claim and legal case.

Document the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Be sure to obtain the other driver’s license plate number, driver’s license information, and insurance policy details.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Report the Accident

Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with accurate and detailed information about what happened. However, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let your attorney handle communications with the insurance company.

Consult with a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

One of the most critical steps you can take after a motorcycle accident is to consult a skilled and experienced motorcycle crash lawyer. An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents can review the details of your case, assess liability, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

Get a Proven and Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney on Your Side

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a bike crash, it is time to consult the top-rated motorcycle accident attorney Dale Casares at Mountain States Injury Law. With a background in the insurance industry, Dale brings a unique insider’s perspective, allowing her to handle complex injury claims with precision and insight.

Her commitment to open communication, clear explanations, and direct answers ensures that clients are informed and empowered every step of the way. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 888-617-6084 or contact us online.