Kansas Motorcycle Intersection Accidents
The risk of an auto accident significantly increases when two roads converge to create an intersection. Accidents at intersections are never a good thing, and they are even worse when a motorcycle is involved.
Motorcyclists are at an inherent disadvantage when they are involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle in Kansas or anywhere else. Because of a lack of protection, Kansas motorcycle intersection accidents can be some of the most devastating and deadly. Motorcycle riders who are involved in these accidents typically suffer serious injuries that can lead to permanent disability or death.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Statistics regularly show just how dangerous Kansas motorcycle intersection accidents can be. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report found that there were more than 5900 motorcycle fatalities in 2021, which was the highest number since 1975. That same year, nearly 83,000 motorcyclists were injured, and just over one-third of all fatal accidents took place at intersections.
Traffic signal accident statistics also reveal just how dangerous intersections can be. The NHTSA found that motorcycles were involved in only 5 percent of all traffic signal accidents, but motorcyclists comprised 10 percent of fatalities from these accidents. There might be a tendency to blame motorcyclists for these accidents, but another recent report found that passenger vehicle drivers were more likely to cause accidents involving a motorcycle.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents at Intersections
An accident could be caused by many different factors, and it’s important for every motorcycle rider to be aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents at intersections in order to minimize these threats. A few of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Drivers turning left into an oncoming motorcycle
- Speeding to beat a red light
- Not acknowledging red lights or stop signs
- Failing to recognize a stopped motorcycle at an intersection
- Obstructed views at an intersection
- Misjudgment of a vehicle’s speed and distance
- Illegal traffic maneuvers
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Drivers not checking their blind spots
- Driver fatigue
- The low profile of a motorcycle making it less apparent
Because the drivers of other vehicles are more likely to cause motorcycle accidents, even the most experienced and cautious motorcyclists must be vigilant as they approach an intersection.
Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents at Intersections
When Kansas motorcycle intersection accidents can be avoided, everybody wins, and reducing the risk of these accidents isn’t rocket science. The following simple steps can go a long way to preventing these deadly accidents.
Don’t Drive or Ride Under the Influence
Everyone knows how dangerous it is to drive after binge drinking, but far too many people downplay the risks of getting on a motorcycle or behind the wheel after one or two beers. Research has shown that someone who drinks just two beers before hopping on a motorcycle is 40 times more likely to be involved in an accident than if they were riding sober. On top of that, riders and drivers under the influence tend to be involved in more serious accidents that tend to be more deadly.
Slow Down
Intersections involve vehicles and pedestrians moving in many different directions, and it can be difficult to navigate this complex traffic pattern while driving at or above the speed limit. Slowing down gives you more time to read the situation at an intersection and avoid missing potential dangers. Slowing down also gives you more time to react to someone else’s reckless behavior. Even if the traffic signal is green and there aren’t many cars on the road, it’s always a good idea to cover the brake and visually scan for any motorists or pedestrians that might be entering your path.
Stay Focused
People love riding motorcycles for the breathtaking views that it provides. However, it’s important not to get distracted by the view from the seat of your bike and stay focused on what’s happening in front of you. It is important to be on the lookout for sudden lane changes, debris in the road, vehicles running a red light, and vehicles turning without signaling.
Be Aware of Potential Visual Obstructions
It would be nice if all intersections were developed with safety in mind, but unfortunately, many intersections have obstructed views due to trees, buildings, bushes, bus stops, and other objects getting in the way. As you approach an intersection, be aware of any potential obstructed views. Keep in mind that an obstructed view may not be your own. It could be for a vehicle traveling on the cross street at an intersection.
Make Yourself Visible
Motorcycles have a low profile and many of them are painted with dark colors. This makes it difficult for them and riders to see compared to passenger vehicles. Many Kansas motorcycle intersection accidents could be avoided by riders wearing bright colors and reflective gear. Motorcyclists should also get in the habit of checking their lights and reflectors before they hit the road to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Ride Defensively
It’s conventional wisdom amongst motorcyclists to ride as if you are invisible to the vehicles around you. This instills a defensive mindset and helps you to anticipate sudden movements from the vehicles around you. This mindset also helps you avoid putting yourself in precarious positions where you are completely reliant on other drivers seeing you.
It’s also a good idea to operate within your limits. If you are a novice rider, make sure you are riding at a comfortable speed and in conditions that don’t require expert maneuvering. Newer riders should also avoid riding for long distances and spending too much time in unfamiliar territory.
Simply put, it’s always a good idea to feel like you are in control of your motorcycle and not the other way around. If you feel like you are going too fast or you don’t feel comfortable riding in the conditions, slow down or stop until you feel comfortable.
Don’t Fight Nature
Riding in bad weather can be absolutely brutal, and given the lack of protection provided by a motorcycle, it’s a good idea to avoid bad weather at all costs. In addition to making it harder to see and physically control a motorcycle, bad weather can also make it harder for a motorcycle to maintain traction on the road. While the passenger vehicle might be able to recover from hydroplaning for a second or two, motorcycles are much less stable, and even a momentary loss of traction can be devastating, especially when approaching an intersection.
Wear Proper Gear
It’s easy to feel like you don’t need the proper safety equipment once you’ve become experienced at something, whether it’s skiing down a mountain or riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, experienced people get in accidents all the time, sometimes through no fault of their own. Many veteran riders will tell you that wearing protective gear can seriously increase your chances of walking away from an accident.
When purchasing riding gear, be sure to keep your riding conditions in mind. Riding pants, boots, gloves, a jacket, a helmet, and protective glasses are a good idea regardless of the conditions, but the types of things you buy should take into consideration temperature, humidity, dusty environments, rain, snow, and other road conditions.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a Kansas motorcycle intersection accident, the first thing that you should do is take care of your own safety. Check for any injuries, and then get to a safe location as quickly as possible. Call 911. If other people appear to be in danger, do what you can to help them within reason. If you have serious injuries, seek immediate medical attention.
After you have looked after the safety of yourself and other victims, it’s okay to start documenting the scene ahead of a potential claim. Try to get photos of your motorcycle and any other vehicles that were involved. Get photos of any visible injuries you might have suffered. Ask other drivers for their contact and insurance information. Get the names of any witnesses and see if they will give you a video or audio statement.
If you don’t have what appears to be serious injuries, it’s still a good idea to get checked out, especially if the crash was traumatic. You may have suffered internal injuries and head trauma. These are difficult to self-diagnose, and they can even be challenging for first responders. In addition to getting any treatment that you might need, getting medical attention can also help with documenting your injuries for a potential future claim.
After your health and well-being have been taken care of and the immediate aftermath of the accident has passed, you should consider filing a claim. In Kansas, you must first seek compensation through insurance companies before pursuing legal action. Unfortunately, insurance companies are motivated to pay out as little as possible, and you may need to take action to get the compensation you need.
Medical treatment can be very costly. If you had to miss work due to your injuries, then you are likely in a more challenging financial situation. Getting compensation for all of these injuries and losses is essential to maintain your welfare and recover from an accident.
Recovering compensation through legal means often comes down to identifying other parties that were negligent. These might be other drivers, a mechanic who improperly serviced your motorcycle, or parts manufacturers who made your motorcycle dangerous to operate. Our experienced attorneys can help you identify the negligent parties and recover compensation.
Let Bretz Injury Law’s Experienced Attorneys Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
At Bretz Injury Law, our experienced team of attorneys has many years of experience handling motorcycle accidents. Whether your motorcycle accident involved a serious concussion or you are dealing with a fatal motorcycle accident involving a loved one, our team of lawyers will fight for your claim. Contact us today by calling 620.RESULTS to set up a consultation.
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