How Distracted Driving Increases the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents
Distracted driving is an incredibly dangerous behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk, but motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to the consequences. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, making it crucial to understand how distracted driving contributes to these incidents.
If you’ve been injured by a careless distracted driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Find out now by calling Kingbird Legal at 484-289-4880 to set up a consultation with our personal injury team.
Distracted Driving and Its Impacts
Distracted driving entails anything that takes your focus off driving. This could be texting, eating, choosing a playlist, or even talking to passengers. While it might seem harmless to quickly glance at your phone or take a bite of your sandwich, those few seconds when your eyes are not on the road can be incredibly dangerous. The amount of time it takes to check your phone and read a message means driving the length of a football field without eyes on the road.
Because distracted drivers don’t realize their error until it’s too late to correct it, these crashes often happen at higher speeds and cause more extensive damage to vehicles, vehicle occupants, and public property.
Why Motorcyclists Are at Greater Risk
Motorcyclists ride with significantly less protection than other road users, making them uniquely vulnerable to collisions. Unlike cars, which have seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame to protect occupants, motorcyclists only have their helmets and perhaps some leather protective gear. This massive difference in protection means that in the event of a crash, motorcyclists are far more exposed to serious harm. The physics of a crash puts motorcyclists at a significant disadvantage. A motorcycle is much lighter than a car, and in a collision, the bike and its rider can be dramatically affected by the forces involved.
Legal Repercussions of Causing a Motorcycle Accident While Distracted
When a driver is distracted and causes a motorcycle accident, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate damage and injuries. Legally, the distracted driver can face a wide array of serious consequences. They might be charged with reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter in severe cases, depending on the accident’s outcome.
Aside from criminal charges, the driver can also be sued for damages. This means the motorcyclist—or their family if the worst happens—can ask for money to cover medical bills, bike repairs, lost wages, and more because the accident was the driver’s fault. These legal battles can be long, stressful, and very expensive.
Insurance companies also play a big role after an accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance rates will likely skyrocket. In some cases, the insurance company might even refuse to renew their policy.
Steps to Decrease Distracted Driving
To cut down on distracted driving and lower the risk of motorcycle accidents, there are actionable strategies drivers can employ. Drivers should take steps to limit their distractions before they even start driving. This may mean getting your GPS set up beforehand, choosing a playlist so you don’t need to change it later, and having everything set up for a smooth and streamlined drive.
Another key step is to limit interactions with passengers that could divert your attention from the road. Engaging in intense conversations or turning around to talk to someone in the backseat can dangerously distract you. Additionally, try to avoid eating or drinking while driving. Not only does this split your focus, but it also requires you to take one hand off the wheel, increasing the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Finally, it’s important to support public safety efforts that focus on the dangers of distracted driving. This type of change needs to happen at a societal level. If more people realize the risks they’re taking when they text and drive or eat and drive, they may make safer choices.
Find Out How Kingbird Legal Can Support You During This Challenging Time
Don’t wait to find out if you have a valid motorcycle accident claim—let’s sit down and discuss your options now. Call Kingbird Legal at 484-289-4880 or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with our team in Pennsylvania.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!