One pressing question many people have is: what is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles? The leading cause of car-motorcycle crashes is when cars turn left-turn collisions in front of oncoming motorcycles, often due to the driver not seeing the motorcycle.
Motorcycle accidents are a serious concern in Ohio and across the U.S., often resulting in life-changing injuries or even fatalities. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we have seen firsthand the emotional and physical toll these incidents can take on riders and their families. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing your rights and legal options.
By shedding light on these common scenarios, we aim to empower both motorcyclists and drivers with knowledge that can help prevent accidents. This blog will explore the steps to take after an accident, how fault is determined, and other legal considerations, such as whether lane splitting is allowed in Ohio.
Motorcycle crashes often involve cars and usually occur due to various specific driving behaviors or circumstances. According to Forbes research, about 76% of motorcycle accidents are head-on collisions, most involving another vehicle turning into the motorcycle’s path. Let’s explore the different types of common situations that can occur:
One of the most frequent kinds of accidents involving vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, is a left-turn collision. These happen when a motorist changes lanes or turns left at an intersection without noticing a motorcyclist coming.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) states that left-turn collisions account for most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes. The risk of this type of accident increases significantly if the car driver is distracted or the motorcyclist is speeding.
While less deadly than left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions are also common. These occur when a car fails to stop in time and strikes a motorcycle from behind. Motorcycles are lighter and stop faster than cars, making them vulnerable in heavy traffic or sudden stop-and-go situations.
Rear-end collisions can eject motorcyclists from their bikes, often resulting in significant injuries. They are especially dangerous for motorcyclists because they lack the same protective barriers that car occupants enjoy.
As mentioned by the National Safety Council (NSC), fixed-object crashes were the second most common type of fatal motor vehicle accident in 2020, emphasizing the importance of attentive driving and road awareness for both motorcyclists and drivers
Another frequent type of accident involves vehicles changing lanes without seeing a motorcyclist. Motorcycles can easily get caught in a car’s blind spot, and if the driver fails to check their mirrors, it could lead to a collision.
In Ohio, like elsewhere, drivers must signal and check for traffic before changing lanes. Unfortunately, many drivers either don’t take these precautions or fail to see motorcycles because of their size.
Though less frequent than left-turn crashes, head-on collisions are often fatal for motorcyclists. These accidents happen when a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, or a motorcyclist loses control and veers into another lane. Head-on collisions are especially severe because the combined speed of both vehicles results in catastrophic force.
As outlined by Forbes, 76% of motorcycle accidents involve a frontal collision, making head-on crashes some of the most dangerous for riders.
In urban areas, motorcyclists are at risk of “dooring” accidents, which occur when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into the path of a moving motorcycle. These accidents happen more frequently than you might think, especially in areas with narrow streets and heavy foot traffic.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is overwhelming, and knowing what to do immediately afterward is imperative for protecting both your health and your legal rights. These steps will help guarantee you’re safe, your lesions are documented, and you’re positioned to file any necessary legal claims.
Immediately after an accident, your top priority should be security. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic flow. If this isn’t possible, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident. Remember, your health and well-being come first, so if you feel pain or suspect an injury, avoid sudden movements until help arrives.
Always call 911 after a motorcycle accident, even if the accident seems minor. In Ohio, reporting the accident to the authorities is not just paramount for your safety, but it’s also legally required when property damage, injuries, or fatalities are involved. Emergency responders can immediately tend to anyone harmed, and police officers will document the accident, which is crucial for any future legal claims or insurance disputes.
A police report will provide an official account of the accident, including relevant details such as:
This report will serve as valuable evidence when pursuing compensation.
Once you are safe and waiting for help, gather as much information as possible about the occurrence. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the following:
Additionally, exchange information with the other driver(s), including their name, contact details, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Ask for their contact information if there were any bystanders, as their testimony could be vital in establishing what happened.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the incident, some lesions, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. It’s vital to seek medical attention right away for your health and to document any injuries caused by the accident.
Keep a detailed record of your medical evaluations, treatments, and any follow-up visits. This will be fundamental evidence when pursuing compensation for medical expenses. Failing to seek medical attention right away could also weaken your case, as the insurance company might argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or were less severe than claimed.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the situation. Provide them with the necessary details, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Insurance companies, even your own, may attempt to minimize your payout by using anything you say against you. Simply provide the facts and let your attorney handle the communication moving forward.
Avoid arguing who was at fault at the scene or when speaking with others afterward. Admitting fault, even casually, can be used against you in court or during insurance claims. Let the police report and accident investigation determine liability.
After ensuring your safety and receiving medical care, an attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Hiring a lawyer is especially important if:
At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we can help you understand your legal options and determine the best action to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages.
In these events, the fault is typically determined by examining the actions of both the motorcyclist and the driver. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, meaning both parties can share responsibility for the incident. Here’s how fault is usually established:
Fault is often determined by whether any traffic laws were violated. For example, if the car driver made an illegal left turn or failed to yield, they would likely be held responsible. Similarly, if the motorcyclist was speeding or running a red light, they might also bear some blame.
Passerby accounts can provide valuable insight into the moments leading up to the accident. Police reports are also critical for determining fault, as they typically include the officer’s initial assessment of who was responsible for the crash.
Experts sometimes conduct accident reconstructions to determine exactly how the collision occurred. The location of the vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris patterns can help pinpoint who was at fault.
It’s worth noting that, in Ohio, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. This is why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable attorney, such as those at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, to ensure your rights are protected.
One question many motorcyclists have is whether lane splitting—the act of riding between two lanes of traffic—is legal in Ohio. Lane splitting is illegal in Ohio. Ohio’s traffic laws require motorcyclists to occupy an entire lane, just like a car, and passing between two lanes of vehicles is considered a traffic violation.
Although lane splitting is permitted in some states like California, Ohio has taken a strict stance on the practice, citing safety concerns for motorcyclists and drivers. Studies have shown that lane splitting, while potentially reducing traffic congestion, increases the likelihood of an accident due to the limited visibility drivers have of motorcyclists in heavy traffic.
Crashes involving motorcycles often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protective barriers for riders. If you’re impaired in a motorcycle accident, here are the steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
Even if you feel fine, some lesions, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. It’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional to document any potential harm early on.
Keep detailed medical treatment records, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy. This documentation will be essential if you file a claim for compensation to cover your medical bills and recovery costs.
You may be entitled to compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Working with an experienced attorney is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
According to Consumer Notice, many motorcycle accidents are exacerbated by factors like speeding, drinking alcohol, and failure to wear protective gear. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to severe injuries when these factors are present.
While some incidents are unavoidable, there are steps both motorcyclists and drivers can take to reduce the risk of collisions:
By following these guidelines, motorcyclists and drivers can help reduce the frequency and severity of accidents on Ohio roads.
Intersections are the most common locations where car and motorcycle collisions occur. These areas are particularly hazardous due to the concentration of vehicles and pedestrians and drivers’ frequent misjudgments regarding motorcycle speed and visibility. Intersections remain the site of most motorcycle-related crashes because of this complexity.
Other high-risk locations include:
We understand the unique dangers these locations pose to motorcyclists. Our experienced team investigates every detail of a crash to determine liability and ensure justice for our clients.
When it comes to motorcycle collisions, the most common cause is driver negligence, especially not yielding the right of way. Motorcycles are very different compared to normal cars and other automobiles. This problem is exacerbated by riskier driving behaviors, which put motorcyclists at risk.
Other common causes include:
With decades of legal experience, Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz can recognize negligent driver behavior and construct a strong case for motorcycle accident victims. We investigate all evidence, including traffic camera footage and accident reports, to determine who is at fault.
The most common cause of a car and motorcycle crash is when the car makes a left turn in front of the motorcycle. These types of accidents often happen at intersections or during lane changes, where a driver making a left turn simply doesn’t see an approaching motorcycle. This miscalculation often is the result of the smaller size of motorcycles and drivers’ underestimation of motorcycles’ speed. So-called left-turn accidents are among the leading causes of accidents between cars and motorcycles.
Some major contributing factors are:
Motorcyclists, in general, can suffer serious injuries in these accidents. Using detailed accident reconstruction reports and witness statements, along with other evidence so important to left-turn collision cases, important evidence that ensures victims of left-turn collisions receive full compensation.
Don’t let a motorcycle accident derail your life. Contact Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz today. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal intricacies so you can focus on healing. Schedule a free consultation or call us at 1.937.222.2222
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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