San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, with a population of about a million. The city is continuously growing, and more young professionals and college graduates are moving into the area in search of high-paying jobs.

As the population in San Jose rises, so does the number of motorcycles. The National Highway Authority records that at least 70% of motorists experience a crash, and motorcycle accident fatalities account for 14% of traffic fatalities. In California, more than 10,000 motorcycle crashes occur annually.

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If you ride a motorcycle in San Jose, the risk of being involved in an accident is high. San Jose motorcycle crash lawyers will help you in such situations, but it is important to understand why these crashes occur in the first place so that you can avoid them.

Here are seven reasons why motorcycle crashes occur in San Jose:

  1. Car Doors

The term dooring is unfamiliar to most, but a motorcyclist would understand its meaning because of the injuries it causes. This type of accident occurs when a rider collides with an open car door.

When one opens a car door, it is challenging for a motorcycle directly behind to stop before a collision. A law in California (Vehicle Code 22517) disallows anyone to open the door of a vehicle on the side facing traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without traffic interference. But despite this, open car doors remain one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents.

  1. Lane Splitting

This is one of the problems unique to San Jose and California. Motorcycle lane splitting is more common in the state than in others since it is legal here but not everywhere. While some argue that the practice reduces the rider’s exposure, it still puts them at a higher risk of an accident.

  1. Lane Switching

Lane-switching accidents occur when drivers glance in the mirror before conducting a lane switch. This is usually problematic in cases where there is a blind spot. And since motorcycles have a narrower profile, they are highly susceptible to being in a blind spot.

Poor lane switching is a common cause of accidents that can be easily prevented. Drivers need to take time to see if there is impending traffic and indicate they are switching lanes, and motorcyclists need to look for signs of a driver who is about to switch lanes.

  1. Sudden Stops

It is not rare to come upon suddenly stopped traffic on a highway. This type of occurrence is dangerous to vehicles and motorcycles as well. Yet they are more deadly when motorcycles are involved.

  1. Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of accidents worldwide, and San Jose motorcyclists are not spared in that regard. Drivers who speed cannot react promptly to unexpected situations, which often leads to accidents.

  1. Driving Under the Influence

DUIs and DWIs often lead to accidents in San Jose. The sad reality is that motorcyclists usually bear the brunt when a drunk driver hits them. They have no safety belt and are thrown out of the ride or into the traffic, increasing their risk of fatality or injury.

  1. Inexperience

Many riders practice in safe areas, which does not prepare them for the real hazards on the open roads. Unfortunately, many riders hop on their rides with little knowledge of the risks and hazards.

While a rider may attend training courses, they might prove insufficient when it comes to actual road settings. Often, the training creates false confidence and leads riders to make errors when faced with unexpected situations.

Conclusion

Motorcycle accidents in San Jose are a big problem, affecting riders and pedestrians. Knowing what causes accidents makes you better positioned to avoid them.

If you are involved in one, you must get medical attention and contact a lawyer. They will help you get the justice you deserve and your compensation as soon as possible.