Motorcycle accidents can be deadly in Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s preliminary data for 2023, there were around 172 motorcycle fatalities in the state in a single year. These fatalities made up around 17% of all state fatalities. Motorcycle accidents can cause injuries. They may leave the injured party paralyzed and unable to return to everyday life.
Fortunately, there are some common types of motorcycle accidents and some preventative measures motorcyclists could take to prevent them. Understanding how motorcycle accidents occur is the first step in preventing fatalities.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accidents?
Below is a list of some common motorcycle crashes that occur in Missouri. Fortunately, all of the accidents below are easily preventable and caused by negligent drivers.
- Left Turn Accidents
A left-turn accident occurs when a passenger vehicle makes a left turn at an intersection toward a motorcyclist traveling straight through the intersection. Left-turn accidents are common because motorcycles are less visible than standard vehicles. As motorcyclists drive through the intersection, they may not be easily noticed.
Also, drivers trying to turn left may misjudge the motorcycle’s speed. They may think they can finish the turn before the motorcycle passes. To prevent a left-turn accident, we recommend that a motorcyclist make eye contact with the car about to turn left. Then, enter the intersection at a safe speed.
- Head-on Accidents
Head-on accidents are most likely to lead to fatalities. They occur when a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle collide head-on. To avoid a head-on accident, our St. Louis injury lawyers recommend that motorcyclists always drive to the right side of the road and reduce speed. Speed must also be substantially decreased when a motorcyclist moves through a construction site.
- Lane Splitting Accidents
A lane-splitting accident occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two moving lanes. Other vehicles may not notice the motorcycle and may collide with it when changing lanes. To avoid a lane-splitting accident, motorcyclists must be visible. They should not be in any vehicle’s blind spot. Although lane splitting is not illegal in Missouri, refraining from it could decrease the likelihood of an accident.
- Drunk Driving Accidents
The large majority of motorcycle accidents in Missouri are caused by drunk-driving motorcyclists or passenger vehicles that collide with motorcyclists. Motorcyclists could avoid a drunk driving accident by avoiding drinking and driving. If a motorcyclist notices a passenger driver under the influence, they should maintain a safe speed away from the car.
- Speeding Accidents
Motorcyclists are more likely to speed than passenger vehicles because they may feel lightweight. However, speeding can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. To avoid speeding accidents, all motorcyclists should recognize the proper speed in the area. Also, in bad weather, they should wear reflective clothing to be visible.
- Corner Turning Accidents
Motorcycles grip well at turns. However, debris in the corner could cause a crash with another vehicle. To avoid a corner-turning motorcycle accident, motorcyclists should drive at the right speed. This will allow them to slow down for any objects at the corner. Motorcyclists should also use their hazard lights if they spot debris and want to alert other passenger vehicles behind them.
If you were in any of the above accidents, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Schedule a free consultation.
Top Rated Motorcycle Attorneys Near Me
Not all personal injury attorneys have experience representing motorcycle accident victims. Motorcycle accidents are a bit different than vehicle accidents and require extensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident. They can also be more likely to end up causing catastrophic injuries. Make sure you have the right attorney on your side.
Ensure you have an experienced attorney representing you, and call Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today to discuss your case.
Contact a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis due to someone else’s careless or negligent actions, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation, and they don’t get paid unless you win.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
