What’s The Most Common Type Of Collision Between Cars And Motorcycles?

The Importance of Understanding Collision Types and Causes

Over 6,200 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in 2022 alone. Even when you account for different usage rates, auto accidents involving motorcycles are much more likely to injure or kill than those involving multiple automobiles. As a result, understanding the causes behind the accidents is vital to protecting riders.

According to one study conducted using Florida motorcycle crash data, motorcyclists were cleared of any improper riding action in 54.3% of crashes. Instead, drivers, environmental conditions, or vehicle faults were determined to cause the most motorcycle accidents.

After a crash happens, knowing the type of collision can also identify which road user was at fault for the crash. Since motorcycle collisions are so likely to injure or kill, sorting out liability is essential to determining motorcycle accident settlements and insurance claims.

Common Motorcycle Crash Scenarios

Researchers have found three common crash types involving cars and motorcycles. The blame for these accidents typically falls on the driver, although some states apply comparative or contributory negligence if both the driver and motorcycle operator contributed to the cause of the crash.

The three most common scenarios involving collisions between cars and motorcycles include the following:

Left Turn Across Path (LTAP)

Almost every motorcyclist has experienced a crash or near-miss where a driver made a left turn in front of, or into, their motorcycle. This crash can happen at intersections or mid-block when the driver tries to turn into a driveway or parking lot.

When a driver cuts across a motorcycle’s path this way, a T-bone accident can result. The car may force the motorcycle to crash into its side or even drive directly into the bike.

LTAP collisions can happen for many reasons, including:

• Distractions
• Inattention
• Excessive speed
• Impatience

For example, in one scenario, a driver may see the motorcycle approaching but turn anyway. The driver might misjudge the distance or speed of the motorcycle and think they have time to make the left turn. The driver could also be traveling so fast that they do not have time to stop when they spot the rider.

In another scenario, the driver might fail to see the motorcycle until it is too late. Some causes of these collisions include distractions, such as cell phone use or conversations with a passenger. Crashes can also result from inattention.

Another cause is referred to by psychologists as inattentional blindness. This cognitive bias occurs when a driver’s brain fails to register a motorcycle even though their eyes see it. This phenomenon, also called “looked but failed to see,” happens because the brain tends to register objects it expects to see, like cars and trucks, but not unexpected objects like motorcycles and pedestrians.

In most cases, the liability for LTAP crashes tends to fall on the automobile driver. They must yield to approaching vehicles, including motorcycles, when making a left turn unless the rider disobeys a traffic signal.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating is a hazard on many crowded roads. When a driver follows too closely, they cannot stop in time to avoid a rear end collision. The stopping distance of a vehicle depends on its speed and braking characteristics. However, most driving courses instruct drivers to leave at least a three-second following distance.

Rear-end collisions between automobiles might not cause serious injuries because the engine and trunk protect the occupants. However, the same type of crash can eject a rider from the motorcycle, producing injuries like head trauma and neck or spine fractures.

The liability for rear-end crashes typically falls on the driver of the rear vehicle because they must preserve a safe following distance. The rider might bear at least partial liability if they cut off the car behind them and failed to leave enough space for the driver to stop, though. Lane splitting can reduce rear-end crashes, but it is illegal in most states.

Run Off Road

When drivers make unsafe lane changes, they can push motorcycles sideways off the road or into another lane. Even without a collision, a near miss can cause a rider to swerve away from the vehicle.

In either case, the motorcycle could get knocked over. The rider could also lose control of their motorcycle and hit a vehicle or fixed object. Auto lawyers with experience representing motorcyclists can prove a driver’s liability for these crashes by showing that they failed to look before changing lanes.

Where and When Do Most Car-Motorcycle Collisions Happen?

Car-motorcycle accidents can happen at any time. However, recent data sheds some light on what times of day are often most dangerous for motorcyclists. Generally, when traffic is congested on weekdays at about 3 to 6 p.m., motorcyclists are often more likely to be involved in serious accidents.

Accidents between cars and motorcycles can also happen anywhere. Statistically, though, some areas are more dangerous than others. Some particularly risk-prone locations include:

Rural Roads

Many people picture quaint, winding country roads when it comes to rural areas and imagine it’s safer to ride there rather than the city. Unfortunately, rural roads sometimes prove to be more dangerous.

In these areas, drivers often contend with poor visibility, narrow lanes that tend to be without shoulders, and wildlife crossings.

Intersections

Intersections are infamous for causing injuries. Between people failing to yield the right-of-way, making turns incorrectly at the wrong time, and even intentionally running red lights, intersections can be especially dangerous to motorcyclists.

Highway On/Off Ramps

Many drivers disregard suggested speeds for highway on ramps and off ramps. Because drivers are changing speed quickly and focusing on merging, some forget to look for motorcycles — and that can have disastrous consequences.

Parking Lots

Anyone who’s ever attempted to drive through a parking lot knows plenty of drivers don’t pay attention to their surroundings. Although drivers are usually not moving at high speeds while in a parking lot, these crashes can still lead to serious injuries.

Congested Urban Roads

Rural roads aren’t the only dangerous ones for motorcyclists. Drivers on congested city roads may change lanes quickly, and when traffic is dense enough, they may have trouble seeing motorcyclists.

Learn More From ConsumerShield About Motorcycle Accidents

Determining liability in your motorcycle crash may help you recover essential compensation for your medical care. ConsumerShield can help you find a motorcycle accident attorney to lead you through your personal injury claim and lawsuit. Contact us for a free case review and attorney referral today.