Motorcycles offer a thrill that other vehicles just can’t match, but that excitement comes with inherent risks. No matter how experienced you are in the saddle, all it takes is one distracted, drunk, or negligent driver to cause a tragedy.

Research from the Insurance Information Institute revealed some good and bad news for motorcyclists in the United States. The number of motorcycle injuries decreased from 2014 to 2015; however, there was an increase in the number of fatalities.

According to the III, 88,000 riders were injured in 2015, and 4,976 died in accidents. Although there were dozens of factors that caused these collisions, most of them occurred in the following scenarios:

  1. A passenger vehicle was changing lanes;
  2. A passenger vehicle’s door unexpectedly opened in front of the motorcyclist;
  3. Poor road conditions caused the rider to lose control; or
  4. The rider was lane splitting.

Unfortunately, even the most talented motorcyclists are not immune to accidents. If you were hurt by a negligent motorist in New Mexico, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to discuss your options for recovering compensation.

Our lawyers have 32 years of combined experience practicing law. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a head injury attorney in Albuquerque.

Let’s take a closer look at four leading causes of motorcycle wrecks:

  1. Passenger Vehicles Changing Lanes

Due to their small size, motorcycles can easily disappear in the blind spots of passenger vehicles. According to RideApart, a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents occur because passenger vehicle drivers fail to survey their blind spots.

You can reduce your risk by minimizing the amount of time you spend in other vehicles’ blind spots. You should also keep your headlight on at all times to optimize your visibility.

  1. Doors Opening Unexpectedly in Front of Motorcyclists

Crashing into a car door can be just as destructive as an accident with a vehicle that’s in motion. This type of collision is particularly common in urban areas such as Albuquerque.

  1. Poor Road Conditions

Most passenger vehicles can navigate through water, sand, and gravel with ease, but these hazards can be deadly for motorcyclists. You can reduce your risk by avoiding unfamiliar routes and staying off the road when inclement weather strikes.

  1. Lane Splitting

You might be able to shave a few minutes off your commute by lane splitting, but the risk is certainly not worth the reward. Waiting in traffic might seem unbearable in the Albuquerque heat, but your risk of crashing is substantially higher if you get into the habit of lane splitting.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that another driver caused, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. An Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer will help you fight for the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free initial consultation.