11 Common Causes of a Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle in Minneapolis, you know how thrilling it can be to feel the wind on your face as you cruise down the open road. However, motorcycles pose a much greater risk than other passenger vehicles. According to a 2020 NHTSA report, motorcyclists accounted for thirty times as many fatalities and approximately four times as many injuries as passengers in different types of vehicles. That same year, 5,579 motorcyclists perished in traffic crashes.

In Minnesota, 2020 saw a sharp increase in traffic deaths, with 63 motorcyclists dying in accidents—up from 44 motorcycle fatalities the year before.

As these sobering statistics demonstrate, there is always an ever-present danger of involvement in an accident when riding on two wheels. Furthermore, motorcycle accidents feature specific hazards that distinguish them from typical vehicular collisions.

With over 70 years of combined experience holding at-fault drivers and their insurance companies accountable when they injure or kill innocent bikers, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A. care about your well-being on the highway. To help keep Minnesota motorcyclists safe, we’ve compiled 11 common causes of a Minneapolis motorcycle accident.

Have you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident and don’t know what to do? A Minneapolis personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process from start to finish while providing the individualized attention you deserve. Call us at (612) 333-3343 to schedule a free consultation.

11 Common Causes of a Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents nationwide, and it also holds true for motorcycles. When motorists fail to pay attention to the road or their surroundings, they may not realize or have time to react to a motorcycle in their vicinity, resulting in an accident.

2. Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, road debris, construction zones, and poor visibility can all contribute to a severe crash on a motorcycle. Riders should always know their surroundings and road conditions to increase their safety.

3. Speeding

Minnesota established speed limits for a reason; when motorcycle riders try to go faster than the legal limit, they can put themselves and other drivers at risk. Not only does speeding increase the chances of an accident, but it also increases the severity and likelihood of severe injuries if a crash occurs.

4. Intersections

Motorcycles often have difficulty maneuvering through intersections due to their size and lack of visibility. When cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles fail to yield or make risky moves, a collision can occur, leading to severe injury or even death for those on a motorcycle.

5. Intoxication

Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair a person’s ability to drive safely, so it’s crucial for all drivers, including those on motorcycles, never to operate a vehicle while impaired. Impaired driving can lead to serious collisions between cars and motorcycles, resulting in significant injury or death for the rider.

6. Left-Turning Cars

The first cause is left-turning cars. Motorcycles are often harder to see than cars, so when a vehicle makes a left turn, it may not see the motorcycle in time to avoid an accident. This type of collision tends to be especially dangerous for motorcyclists since they have less protection than car drivers.

7. Lane Switching

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is lane switching. Motorcyclists often switch lanes quickly and without signaling their intentions, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles or objects on the road. It’s important for motorcyclists to always signal their intentions before changing lanes and take extra care when doing so.

8. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are also a major cause of motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis. Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide at high speeds. These collisions tend to be especially severe due to the force generated by the impact of two vehicles moving at high speeds in opposite directions.

9. Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic that are moving at different speeds or directions, usually during rush hour traffic or on highways with multiple lanes going in the same direction. This type of maneuver increases the risk of an accident because it requires quick reflexes and good judgment from both drivers involved to avoid a collision.

10. Road Debris

Finally, road hazards such as potholes or debris can also lead to motorcycle accidents in Minneapolis if riders don’t notice them until it’s too late. Potholes and debris can easily cause motorcycles to lose control if they aren’t seen in time, leading to devastating injury or even death for riders involved in such an accident.

11. Stoplight Accidents

Even when stopped at a stoplight, a motorcyclist still faces the risk of a car or truck striking them.

7 Tips for Motorcycle Safety in Minneapolis

Now that you know the most common causes of a Minneapolis motorcycle accident, the following seven tips can help you stay safe and reduce your chances of getting into an accident.

1. Wear the Right Gear

When riding a motorcycle, it is essential to wear the right gear, including a properly fitted helmet and clothing made from materials that will protect you in the event of a crash. Additionally, make sure to wear boots and gloves to help protect your hands and feet.

2. Be Visible

Visibility when riding a motorcycle is crucial. Wear bright colors or reflective gear to ensure other drivers see you, and always use your headlights. Additionally, avoid riding in blind spots where other drivers may not be able to see you.

3. Ride Defensively

When on the road, always ride defensively. Be aware of what other drivers are doing and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Also, avoid riding in bad weather conditions, such as during a rainstorm or heavy traffic.

4. Don’t Ride Under the Influence

Never ride a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so puts you at a higher risk of an accident. If you have been drinking, wait until you are sober before getting on your bike.

5. Inspect Your Bike Before Riding

Before each ride, inspect your motorcycle to make sure everything is in working order. This inspection should include checking the tires, brakes, lights, and engine oil levels. By taking the time to examine your bike, you can help prevent problems while on the road.

6. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

If you are new to riding motorcycles, or if it has been a while since you have ridden one, consider taking a motorcycle safety course. These courses can teach you the basics of motorcycle operation and help you become more confident on the road. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to riders who have completed a safety course.

7. Be Prepared for Road Hazards

When riding a motorcycle, be prepared for potential road hazards such as potholes, debris, and animals crossing the road. By remaining alert to these hazards and knowing how to avoid them, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A.: Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Have you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident and wonder if a Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney can help you? At Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A., we take a collaborative approach by partnering with our clients and fighting for them every step of the way.

While remaining alert and taking extra precautions when riding can help reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident, nothing is foolproof. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, knowing your rights and legal recourse is vital—especially if you’re dealing with severe injuries, emotional distress, loss of wages, and an inability to work and pay your bills.

Our knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will listen to the details of your case, share a game plan with you, allow you to make the decision, then fight for your rights from beginning to end. Are you ready to let our actions speak on your behalf? Call us at (612) 333-3343 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.

Copyright © 2023. Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55403
(612) 333-3343
https://robichaudlaw.com/