Unsafe Lane Changes
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is unsafe lane changes. This happens when a motorcyclist fails to check their blind spot and merges into another vehicle, causing a collision.
Lane Splitting
Another prevalent reason for bike accidents is lane splitting—the practice of riding a bike between two lanes of traffic. While this behavior is allowed by California law and is common road practice, it makes cyclists susceptible to unsafe lane changes.
Speeding
Speeding is a prominent cause of all accidents. Whether it's the motorcycle or the car, speeding hinders the driver's ability to react to situational changes in the road. Speeding cars may not see a bike in their peripheral vision, or a speeding motorcycle may get hit by a driver who did not see it. The safest policy is to abide by all speed limits to avoid any discrepancies of liability in case of an accident.
Left-Turn Discrepancies
Almost half of all motorcycle accidents occur during a left turn due to an error of depth perception, where the cyclist thinks they have more time and room to take the right of way and make the left turn. Often, bike riders try to use their size and nimbleness to their advantage when overtaking to rejoin traffic from the left turn lane, resulting in a collision with a driver who did not notice them.
Lack Of Experience
Inexperience is one of the leading factors in motorcycle accidents. An inexperienced cyclist may be uncomfortable with their bike and prone to unsafe riding behavior. In California, the requirements to obtain a motorbike driver's permit include being 21 years old, completing a safety program, filing a DL44 form, paying a $33 fee, passing a vision test, and meeting the experience requirements. Therefore, practicing in a non-populated area is vital until you are comfortable with roadway maneuvering.
Sudden Stops
Sudden stops in a vehicle and a motorcycle result in very different outcomes. When you slam on a car's brakes, they lock up, but you have four on each corner, so the stopping is more stable. Motorcycles are stopped with a hand brake for the front and a foot brake for the rear. When these are slammed, they also lock up, and the bike's reaction differs depending on which wheel is locked.
Locking the rear wheels causes the motorcycle to skid, locking the front wheel might eject you over the handlebars, and locking both wheels most likely results in a skid. When a bike skids, it may change direction and harm the driver. Always leave a comfortable space between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid sudden and hard breaking.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Road conditions like potholes, cracks, rain, frost, snow, unclear signs or signals, etc., also often cause motorcycle accidents.
Manufacturer Defects
Manufacturer defects are a rare but possible cause of motorcycle accidents. These defects may include any mechanical malfunction caused by a manufacturing error or a repair error made by a mechanic.