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

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

Several reasons explain why these crashes happen so often:

• Limited visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to spot, especially in heavy traffic, low light, or bad weather.
• Misjudged speed: Drivers often underestimate how fast a motorcycle is traveling and assume they have enough time to make a turn.
• Distractions: A distracted driver checking their phone or talking to a passenger may not notice a motorcycle approaching.
• Blind spots: Motorcycles can easily fall into a car’s blind spot, meaning a driver may turn without seeing them.

Common Injuries from Left-Turn Collisions

• Broken bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable.
• Head trauma: Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries: A strong impact can cause paralysis or other long-term nerve damage.
• Internal bleeding: Severe impacts may lead to organ damage or internal injuries.
• Road rash: If a rider slides across the pavement, they can experience deep abrasions requiring medical treatment.

Other Common Collisions Between Cars and Motorcycles

1. Rear-End Collisions

Causes:

• Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS can cause drivers to miss sudden stops.
• Following too closely: Tailgating reduces the time a driver has to react.
• Sudden stops: If a motorcycle stops abruptly, the following car may not stop in time.
• Bad weather conditions: Rain or fog increases the time it takes to brake safely.

Injuries from Rear-End Collisions:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones (arms, legs, ribs)
• Road rash (severe skin abrasions)
• Concussions or brain injuries from being thrown off the bike

Prevention Tips:

• For drivers:
  • Keep a safe following distance, especially in traffic or bad weather.
  • Stay focused and avoid distractions like phones or food.
• For motorcyclists:
  • Flash your brake light to alert cars behind you.
  • Avoid sudden braking unless absolutely necessary.

2. Lane Change Accidents

Causes:

• Blind spots: Motorcycles are small and can be hidden in a car’s blind spot.
• Failing to signal: Drivers who don’t use turn signals give motorcyclists no time to react.
• Distracted driving: Drivers focused on other tasks may forget to check mirrors properly.
• Lane splitting: Lane splitting—when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped cars—can confuse drivers who aren’t expecting it.

What is Lane Splitting?

• Is Lane Splitting Legal? In many U.S. states, lane splitting is illegal, though California permits it under certain conditions. Even in places where it’s allowed, drivers may not expect motorcycles between lanes, leading to collisions.

Injuries from Lane Change and Lane Splitting Accidents:

• Broken ribs and arms
• Concussions from hitting the ground
• Severe cuts and bruises

Prevention Tips:

• For drivers:
  • Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
  • Use turn signals well in advance.
• For motorcyclists:
  • Avoid riding in a car’s blind spot.
  • If lane splitting is legal, do it cautiously and at low speeds.

3. Dooring Accidents

• Lack of awareness: Drivers or passengers forget to check for approaching traffic.
• Crowded parking: Narrow lanes increase the chances of dooring accidents.

• Broken bones (especially shoulders and arms)
• Facial injuries if the rider is thrown into the door
• Torn ligaments or muscle damage

• For drivers and passengers:
  • Use the Dutch Reach method—open the door with your far hand to naturally look over your shoulder for approaching motorcycles.
  • Always check mirrors before opening a door.
• For motorcyclists:
  • Ride slowly when passing parked cars.
  • Use your horn if you notice someone about to open a door.

4. Head-On Collisions

• Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may drift into the wrong lane.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigue can cause drivers to lose focus and cross the centerline.
• Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or adjusting in-car systems can veer off-course.
• Poor road conditions: On winding roads, drivers may accidentally cross into oncoming traffic.

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple fractures
• Internal injuries

• For drivers:
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Take breaks when tired to avoid drowsy driving.
  • Pay close attention to the road, especially on curvy routes.
• For motorcyclists:
  • Ride defensively and stay in the right lane whenever possible.
  • Use bright lights and reflective gear to increase visibility, especially at night.

5. Distracted and Impaired Driving Accidents

Examples of Distracted Driving:

• Texting, talking, or using apps on a phone
• Eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio
• Focusing on conversations instead of driving

Examples of Impaired Driving:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
• Prescription medication that affects reaction time and alertness
• Driving after staying awake for too long (drowsy driving)

Injuries from Distracted or Impaired Driving Accidents:

• Severe head trauma
• Broken limbs and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

Prevention Tips:

• For drivers:
  • Avoid multitasking—keep your focus entirely on driving.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Take breaks if you feel tired or distracted.
• For motorcyclists:
  • Stay alert and watch for signs of distracted drivers (e.g., swerving).
  • Ride cautiously, especially during holidays or late at night when impaired driving is more common.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

1. Check for injuries: Call 911 if anyone is hurt, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Move to safety: If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid further harm.
3. Call the police: A police report can help with insurance claims and legal cases.
4. Gather information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver.
5. Document the scene: Take photos of the damage and collect witness statements, if available.
6. Contact an attorney: Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and pursue compensation.

How to Prevent the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles

Tips for Drivers:

• Look carefully for motorcycles before making turns or switching lanes.
• Use your turn signal well in advance.
• Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like texting.
• Be cautious during rush hour or in areas with a lot of motorcycle traffic.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

• Wear bright gear and keep your headlights on to stay visible.
• Be extra alert at intersections and assume that drivers may not see you.
• Use defensive riding techniques by staying out of drivers’ blind spots.
• Take advanced riding classes to improve your skills and safety.

What to Do if You Are in a Motorcycle Accident

Protect Yourself and Know Your Legal Options