Omaha Injury Attorney Reveals the Top 4 Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Nebraska
Any accident is a traumatic event, but motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable on Nebraska roads. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars. They are also five times more likely to be seriously injured.
Compounding the emotional hardship, the families of riders who lose their lives often face overwhelming debt due to the loss of income, medical bills and other expenses. Bikers who are lucky enough to escape with their lives often face an uphill climb to recovery.
If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent driver while riding a motorcycle in Nebraska, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Omaha can gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Our attorneys have more than 45 years of combined legal experience, and if we do not win, you do not pay attorneys’ fees.
Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about injury lawsuits.
Here is a brief overview of the top four causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Motorcycle-on-Car Crashes
In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4,957 motorcyclists died on U.S. roads. A large portion of these fatalities happened because other drivers could not see the motorcyclists – often due to darkness, inclement weather or failure to check their blind spots.
Motorcycle riders must take steps to increase their visibility. Install reflective materials on your bike and jacket. Do not drive in other motorist’s blind spots, and try to predict their actions. In particular, watch out for drivers who are merging or turning.
- Rear-End Accidents
A rear-end accident between cars is not always catastrophic, but it can be fatal if a motorcycle is involved. If a motorcyclist rear-ends a car, then he or she will continue moving forward and possibly crash into the rear windshield. If a driver rear-ends a motorcyclist, then he or she is likely to eject from the bike and impact the pavement – or possibly fall in the path of oncoming traffic. Motorcyclists may be able to avoid rear-end crashes by maintaining safe following distances at all times.
- Single-Bike Wrecks
Because of their small size and imbalance, motorcycles are less stable than cars. They are more likely to spin out of control. Bikes can topple over, slide and skid uncontrollably due to bad weather, unexpected hazards or rider inexperience.
Uneven pavement, rocks, bending roads, grooves, work zones, potholes and more can cause a driver to lose control. Always drive slowly in poor conditions.
- Car Door Collisions
People who open car doors are responsible for a significant portion of motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists often cannot see a driver or passenger sitting in a vehicle, and they cannot predict the door opening unexpectedly.
You may be able to avoid these crashes by driving on the left side of the lane. Be aware of cars that recently parked, and maintain your distance.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha injury attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you may have legitimate grounds for a claim.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.
