Skip to Content
Top

Main Factors That Cause Motorcycle Accidents & Crashes

Motorcycle accidents
|

Our lawyers hold drivers accountable for negligence

Motorcycle crashes result from a variety of causes. However, all reasons for the accidents have one thing in common: they are almost always preventable. Unfortunately, your safety continues to be put in jeopardy by distracted, drunk and reckless motorists and by municipalities that do not abide by their roadwork obligations.

In Des Moines, The Hope Law Firm, PLC handles all types of motorcycle accidents. We determine the cause of the motorcycle crash and hold the negligent party responsible. Hope can help you through this difficult time.

Distracted driving

When drivers become distracted, they take their minds off driving, their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road, creating a serious roadway hazard. Dangerous distractions include:

  • Texting, instant messaging or emailing
  • Dialing or talking on a handheld cellphone
  • Grooming, including brushing hair or putting on makeup
  • Eating or drinking
  • Entertaining or disciplining young children
  • Reaching to pick up something that fell on the floor
  • Reading a GPS, map or directions
  • Changing the radio or music device

Inappropriate texting and cellphone use have developed into an epidemic on Iowa’s roadways, with multiple drivers tapping on their phones rather than concentrating on their driving.

Drunk driving

Operating while intoxicated (OWI) is illegal in Iowa. Any driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is considered too impaired to safely drive. Impairment by drugs or alcohol affects the driver’s vision, coordination, and judgment. Sadly, many drunk drivers are not caught until they cause a serious automobile or motorcycle accident.

Tired driving

Sleep deprivation affects drivers similarly to alcohol or drugs. Tired drivers may have a delayed reaction time, altered vision and poor judgment, which add up to a dangerous roadway condition for motorcyclists.

Driver error

Even a minor error can result in a catastrophic motorcycle collision. Typical reckless conduct includes:

  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Failing to yield
  • Swerving between lanes
  • Making turns without looking
  • Disobeying traffic signals

Motorists often carelessly disregard motorcyclists’ rights to share the road.

Poor road conditions

A pothole that might only affect a car’s alignment could send a motorcycle flying. Poor road conditions that can cause a motorcycle wreck include:

  • Potholes
  • Uneven pavement
  • Cracked pavement
  • Open manhole covers
  • Roadway debris
  • Road obstructions
  • Snowy and icy streets
  • Flooding
  • Dim street lights
  • Broken traffic signals

Municipalities have a responsibility to consider how road disrepair affects all types of vehicles.

Hold drivers and municipalities accountable for your motorcycle crash

The Hope Law Firm, PLC helps injured motorcyclists in Des Moines and across Iowa recover damages. Our personal injury lawyers deliver determined, experienced services focused on maximizing compensation. We offer a free initial appointment, during which we evaluate your claim and advise you on your rights. We take cases on a contingency arrangement, meaning you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain compensation through a trial verdict or settlement. For more information, call our office at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online.

Categories: