Across the county, thousands of people hop on motorcycles to commute, for transportation, or simply for a recreational ride across town. No one really thinks about possible collisions, which almost always happen unexpectedly.

Motorcycle riders, however, are some of the most vulnerable on the road. This is due to the fact that when a rider is on a motorcycle, they have no protection from the outside. A small crash can be devastating for a motorcyclist. A motorcycle rider needs to remain defensive and diligent while riding.

Unfortunately, even the most careful riders can be victims of motorcycle accident injuries due to distracted drivers or drivers who are unaware of their presence on the road. It is important for those injured in motorcycle accidents to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

It is very important for a rider to make sure that they are following all traffic laws and paying attention to the people around them. Here are five preventable causes of motorcycle accidents that riders and drivers alike need to be aware of.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the riskiest practices of people behind the wheel, especially for motorcycle riders. Drivers can get distracted by even the seemingly smallest thing, such as texting, using a cell phone, listening to loud music, or talking with a passenger.

Distracted driving can cause crashes and injuries, especially when a motorcycle is involved. A motorcycle may come into the blind spot of the driver while they are distracted and an accident may occur.

2. Left Hand Turns

One of the most common scenarios for motorcycle accidents is vehicles that are turning left. The driver will fail to yield to traffic or they will not see the rider approaching because of their thin profile. Without seeing the rider, the driver will go ahead and make their left turn and crash into the oncoming motorcycle.

This is usually a single-vehicle wreck in which the motorcycle crashed while trying to avoid impact or a T-bone collision with another vehicle. If the drivers are shown to have not followed the traffic laws or yielded appropriately, they will be held responsible for the wreck involving the motorcycle.

3. Lane Changes

When motorcyclists are driving along the road, they are typically right beside other motor vehicles. Sometimes, motorcycles end up in drivers' blind spots. Without checking these blind spots, they may change lanes and end up hitting the motorcycle.

This especially happens when a driver is distracted, driving negligently, or refuses to use turn signals. Motorcycle riders can protect themselves by attempting to make sure they are out of drivers' blind spots. Remember that if you can't see a driver's face in his mirror, he or she can't see you either.

4. Rear-End Collisions

While some rear-end accidents involving cars are not very severe, when it comes to a motorcycle, any rear-end collision can be deadly. Motorcyclists do not have any physical protection around them, so when they are hit from behind, it can cause life-threatening injuries.

Rear end collisions with motorcycles often happen when drivers fail to see road signs or signals. It is imperative that a motorcyclist be wary that this may happen when they are driving. If they are rear-ended, they will be able to contact a motorcycle accident attorney for help. Generally, the driver is always at fault in a rear end accident involving a motorcycle.

5. Impairment

Almost half of all motorcycle accidents involve driving under the influence. Getting on a motorcycle after drinking is just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel of a car. In other instances, a motorcyclist may have been hit by a driver under the influence. Drunk drivers may fail to see riders, may make reckless turns, and drive on the wrong side of the road.

If a person has been injured in a motorcycle accident, they will need a personal injury attorney. A motorcycle accident attorney will be able to help in reviewing the case and making sure that the motorcyclist gets their medical bills paid for as well as compensation for pain and suffering. At Kohn Law Office, we are well experienced with the ins and outs of even the most complex motorcycle accidents.

We will fight to help anyone that has been involved in a motorcycle accident get the justice they deserve and thorough compensation. We understand how important it is that negligent drivers be held responsible and pay any injured party for costly medical bills and the pain and suffering of the individual that was injured in the motorcycle accident. Turn to us for help protecting your rights.

Contact Kohn Law Office at (760) 710-0190 for a no-fee, no obligation consultation.