Motorcyclists sometimes feel wild and free from the moment they get on their motorcycle with a sense of freedom as they ride a highway to a favorite destination or enjoy time with friends. Yes, owning and riding on a motorcycle might be one of the most exhilarating experiences you will ever endure. However, there are dangers that can easily lead to a West Virginia motorcycle accident – some of which involve the negligence of others and some that involve common road dangers.
Each year across the United States, thousands of motorcyclists will lose their lives in serious motorcycle crashes, as they are some of the most vulnerable parties on our roads and prone to serious accidents. In fact, in 2017, it was reported that approximately 5,172 riders were killed in these crashes, many of which took place due to the reckless acts of other parties. Today, we want to focus on the many dangerous road hazards that can easily lead to a motorcycle accident.
Road Dangers That Commonly Lead to Motorcycle Crashes
Debris: Debris is responsible for causing many motorcyclists to lose control of their vehicles on our roadways, leading to some of the most severe accidents possible. You could be the most experienced motorcyclist, and yet, when somebody suddenly appears in the roadway, you might not be able to navigate around it quickly enough, which could lead to a serious and even deadly result. This is why drivers must always ensure that if they are carrying a load on their vehicle, it is strapped and secured. Motorcyclists must always remember that debris can show up at any given time.
Road Tar: Because the heat is rising in these summer months, there is always a chance that road tar could pop up. This is due to the fact that summer heat could easily cause tar in our roads’ asphalt to bubble and liquify. When a motorcycle runs over this material, it could cause them to immediately lose control.
Potholes: Potholes are not good for any vehicle and are one of the main reasons for road construction across many states. Hitting a pothole on a motorcycle can easily turn into one of the most dangerous situations they will endure on their bikes. Considering how fast a motorcyclist might be going at the time they hit a pothole, they could be thrown from their bike in a matter of seconds, which can lead to catastrophic injuries as well as instant fatalities.
Vehicles: Lastly, larger vehicles can constitute a road hazard to motorcyclists as well. Because of the size of these vehicles, they are known for causing major harm to motorcyclists, especially at high speeds. Motorcycles are small in size and a rider can easily be thrown in the event of a serious accident with a driver who is not paying attention to the roads.
Help After Your West Virginia Motorcycle Accident
There are many risks to motorcyclists on our roadways due to the fact that these parties are vulnerable to vast amounts of harm. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that led to brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or any other catastrophic injury, you might need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to help in your time of need. At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, our attorneys will listen to you every step of the way while handling your claim and every aspect that comes along with it. Please contact us at (304) 713-2014 to find out how we can assist you.
