San Jose motorcycle accidents happen frequently and for several reasons. At The Barnes Firm, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys have helped many clients injured in motorcycle accidents and have found that the most common causes are usually associated with:
Lane Switches. When drivers fail to check their blind spots before switching lanes, a motorcycle accident can occur. Motorcyclists have a much smaller profile than vehicles and when a driver merges without properly checking their surroundings, motorcycle accidents can occur.
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving causes delayed reaction time and could result in an accident. Sending a text or changing a song on your radio or phone can have dangerous consequences for you and others on the road. Using your cell phone behind the wheel is also illegal in California.
Speeding. Speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Speeding increases the amount of time it takes to come to a safe stop, decreasing the driver’s control over a vehicle. If a motorcycle stops suddenly and a speeding driver cannot slow down, it may result in a rear-end accident.
Lane Splitting. Lane splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between stopped or slow-moving traffic. The practice is legal in California and helps reduce stop-and-go traffic in San Jose. Other drivers must be more aware of motorcyclist’s lane splitting to avoid causing an accident, especially when coming out of stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Left Turn Accidents. It is very dangerous to make a left turn or a U-turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Vehicle drivers often fail to estimate the speed and distance of a motorcycle before turning and cause a motorcycle accident to occur.
Tailgating: Rear-end motorcycle accidents are often caused by tailgating. Vehicle drivers should always keep a safe distance behind the motorcycle in front of them in case traffic comes to a sudden stop.
At The Barnes Firm, our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers can handle all types of motorcycle accident claims.