Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

According to recent statistics, motorcycle fatalities occur 27 times more frequently than deaths in motor vehicles. It’s no secret that motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of accidents because they are less visible than cars and because they lack protection when they are hit by another vehicle. Motorcycle accidents will continue to be a major problem on U.S. roads until car and truck drivers practice safety techniques that take into account the reduced size and visibility of motorcycles.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many reasons why a motorcyclist gets involved in an accident, but there are some causes that are more common than others, including:

• Dooring – Dooring refers to a situation in which a motorcycle is traveling on a road, and the driver of a parked car opens the vehicle door which strikes the motorcycle, causing an accident. It is the responsibility of the driver of a parked car to ensure that there is no oncoming traffic before he or she opens a door. Open door accidents can eject motorcycle rider from their seats and cause massive head trauma as well as spinal injuries.
• Head–On Collisions – Motorcycle accidents also occur when a car or truck strikes the front of a motorcycle, which usually causes massive injuries to the motorcyclist.
• Lane Splitting – Motorcyclists who weave between two lanes of traffic can cause accidents because they come too close to a car in either lane.
• Road Hazards – In some cases, an object on the road such as a pothole, dead animal, or uneven lane can cause an accident.
• Vehicles Making Left Turns – Nearly 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur when the driver of a car is attempting to make a left turn. These accidents usually occur as a motorcycle travels straight through an intersection because drivers often don’t see the motorcycle until it’s too late to avoid a collision.

Protective Equipment To Help Lower the Impact of Motorcycle Accidents

As a motorcyclist, you have to take the lead in protecting yourself, because so many people fail to practice safe-driving techniques when they share the road with you.

Common types of protective equipment you should have, include:

• Gloves – A good pair of leather gloves is important not only to provide you with a strong grip, but it can also prevent your hands from serious damage when you’re involved in an accident.
• Helmet – Invest in a helmet that is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), which requires strict safety standards. Helmets are essential because they provide a flexible shell that cushions your head when you are involved in an accident.
• Leather jacket – Motorcycle riding jackets are made of thick leather and some are even reinforced with material like Kevlar for additional protection.
• Reflectors – Reflectors are a must-have if you are going to do any type of night riding, because they make you visible in the darkness, and many of them shine brighter when they are illuminated in a vehicle’s headlights.

Contact Washington, DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King

Motorcycle accidents can alter your entire life, so when it comes to filing a claim, you need someone who is experienced and tough to ensure that you get the compensation you rightly deserve. The auto accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King are here to help injured accident victims during this difficult time. For a free consultation call 202-331-1963 or contact us online.