What Is the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles?

Riding motorcycles can be exhilarating, but it also involves an increased risk of serious injuries or fatalities when collisions occur. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents involve motorcyclist injury or death as compared to 20 percent of crashes involving other types of motor vehicles. This is because motorcycles do not offer the same degree of protection as other types of motor vehicles. When a motorcycle is involved in a crash with a car, the motorcycle rider is much more likely to be seriously injured or killed than the car occupants. So, what is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles?

What Is the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles?

By understanding what is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles, you can take steps to avoid being involved in crashes while riding your motorcycle or driving your car. Most motorcycle crashes are preventable. If you keep your attention focused on the road and take precautionary steps, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle vs. car collision.

Left-Turn Collisions at Intersections

The NHTSA published an in-depth investigation of motorcycle accidents called the Hurt Report. This report looked at 900 motorcycle accidents to determine their causes and the types of collisions that occur. The researchers found that the most common type of collision between a motorcycle and a car is a left-turn accident at an intersection. Most of these accidents are caused by the car driver when they fail to notice an oncoming motorcycle before turning left at an intersection in the motorcycle’s path. In 42 percent of the collisions, motorists turning left at intersections were the cause.

Left-turn accidents at intersections typically occur when the motorcyclist is doing one of the following things:

• Passing straight through the intersection
• Overtaking the vehicle
• Passing the vehicle

Who Is at Fault in Left-Turn Motorcycle vs. Car Collisions?

In most left-turn accidents between cars and motorcycles, the driver of the car is at fault. Drivers might fail to check for oncoming motorcycles before they pull out to turn left. Motorcycles have a smaller visual profile than other types of vehicles, so they are more difficult for motorists to see. Some of these accidents are also caused by driver distraction, when a motorist is distracted by something else when preparing to turn left.

How to Avoid Left-Turn Crashes Involving Motorcycles and Cars

People who are preparing to turn left should keep their attention focused on the road and carefully check for motorcycles before they pull out to turn. All motorists have a duty to exercise caution while driving. Motorcyclists also have a duty to exercise caution to protect themselves from accidents. Remember that you do not have the same degree of protection as the occupants of other types of motor vehicles when you ride a motorcycle.

When you ride your motorcycle, make sure to observe all speed limits. As you approach intersections, watch the other drivers so that you can anticipate what they are preparing to do. It is a good idea to slow down as you approach intersections so that you will have time to react if someone starts to turn in front of you. You should also never ride your motorcycle after drinking alcohol. Not only is it against the law, but also drunk driving can reduce your ability to react in time to avoid accidents.

Finally, make sure to make yourself as visible as possible. Have lights on your bike, and wear reflective gear at night and brightly colored clothing during the day. This can help to ensure that other motorists will see you.

Get Help from Ellis & Associates

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist, you should speak to the attorneys at Ellis & Associates. We can help you understand the winnability of your claim and help to pursue justice on your behalf. To learn about your rights, call us today for a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.