There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road on your motorcycle, especially during the warm summer months. July and August bring long days, sunny skies, and opportunities for scenic rides. However, these peak summer months also come with heightened risks for motorcyclists. Heavier traffic, unpredictable weather, and distracted drivers can turn what should be an enjoyable ride into a life-altering accident.
Motorcycle accidents carry unique challenges and consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or worse. If you’re a motorcyclist or someone who’s been injured in a crash this summer, understanding the most common types of accidents and their potential legal implications can help you protect yourself and your rights.
Why Summer Poses Extra Risks for Motorcyclists
While summer is synonymous with fun and freedom, it also creates a riskier landscape for motorcyclists. Here are a few key reasons why July and August see spikes in motorcycle accidents.
1. More Traffic on the Roads
Summer brings vacations, road trips, and increased tourism. With more vehicles on the road, especially on highways, collisions increase. Motorcycles can be harder for drivers to see, especially when surrounded by larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
2. Distracted Drivers
Peak travel season means more drivers rushing to reach their destinations. Unfortunately, distractions like texting, GPS navigation, or even handling restless passengers are all too common during these months. Distracted driving is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents.
3. Road Hazards
Summertime also invites road maintenance and construction projects. Uneven pavement, loose gravel, or road debris can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, as they have less stability than cars.
4. Unpredictable Weather
Although summer is mostly sunny, pop-up storms can create hazardous conditions. Rain can make roads slick, and sudden gusts of wind can throw off a motorcycle’s balance.
The combination of these factors makes extra caution essential when taking your bike out during the summer months.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding the common types of motorcycle accidents can help riders better anticipate and avoid these risks. If you’ve been injured in an accident, identifying how it happened is also a critical first step in building a personal injury claim. Here are the most frequent motorcycle accident scenarios seen in July and August.
1. Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common dangers motorcyclists face is drivers making left turns without noticing an oncoming bike. These accidents often occur at intersections or driveways when distracted or inattentive drivers fail to properly judge a motorcycle’s distance and speed.
2. Rear-End Collisions
Motorcycles stop much faster than cars, which makes rear-end collisions a significant risk. Summer traffic congestion and frequent stops only increase the likelihood of a driver misjudging their braking distance and hitting the motorcyclist ahead.
3. Lane-Switching Collisions
Motorcycles are smaller and often occupy blind spots. When drivers change lanes without double-checking, they may sideswipe a motorcyclist, causing serious injuries or forcing them off the road.
4. Single-Vehicle Accidents
Not all motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. Road hazards like potholes, debris, or even oil patches can lead to single-vehicle crashes when a motorcyclist loses control. Curves and sharp turns can also be particularly challenging on poorly maintained roads.
5. Dooring Accidents
When a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door without checking for approaching motorcycles, it can result in a brutal collision. This type of accident is especially common in busy urban areas.
6. Speed-Related Crashes
Summer is prime time for group rides and rallies, which sometimes involve high speeds. Speeding increases the risk of losing control, especially on winding roads or during sudden stops.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers because they lack an enclosed vehicle to shield them from crashes. Injuries from accidents tend to be severe and life-changing, including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, head injuries are a frequent consequence of high-impact crashes.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones: Collisions often lead to fractures, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Road rash: When a rider slides along the pavement, they may sustain painful skin injuries that require medical attention or surgery.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, often due to blunt-force trauma, can be life-threatening.
Recovering from these injuries may require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and time away from work, putting a significant strain on victims and their families.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury attorney can provide the support and advocacy you need to move forward. Here’s how they can assist you:
1. Determining Fault
Proving responsibility in a motorcycle crash isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies and other parties may try to place blame on the motorcyclist. An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction to prove who was at fault.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, offering quick settlements that may not fully cover your medical bills or other losses. A personal injury attorney can handle these negotiations, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
3. Calculating Damages
The financial impact of a motorcycle accident goes beyond immediate medical expenses. To build a comprehensive claim, an attorney will consider all your losses, including lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and ongoing medical needs.
4. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If an acceptable settlement can’t be reached, your attorney can prepare to take your case to court. While litigation can be intimidating, having a lawyer on your side can bring peace of mind and improve your chances of securing justice.
5. Advocating for Riders’ Rights
Sadly, there’s often bias against motorcyclists after accidents, with many assuming the rider was speeding or acting recklessly. A skilled attorney will fight against these stereotypes and work to protect your rights.
Staying Safe This Summer
While accidents aren’t always avoidable, motorcyclists can take steps to reduce their risks during the summer months. Here are a few tips to keep you safe on the road:
- Wear protective gear: A helmet, jacket, gloves, and sturdy boots are essential for minimizing injuries.
- Stay visible: Use reflective gear, keep your headlight on, and avoid lingering in drivers’ blind spots.
- Follow speed limits: Riding safely gives you more time to react to unexpected obstacles.
- Ride defensively: Assume other drivers can’t see you, and always be prepared to take evasive action.
- Check your bike: Before every ride, inspect your tires, brakes, and lights to ensure your motorcycle is in good condition.
Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have experienced a motorcycle accident, especially during the turbulent summer months, securing expert legal assistance can fundamentally affect the outcome of your claim. At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt our seasoned personal injury attorneys in Fresno, CA, are committed to guiding you through every step of the process with dedication and precision. Don’t let seasonal risks dictate your financial and legal outcomes. Contact us today at (559) 900-1280 to ensure your rights are preserved and that you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.