Motorcycle loss-of-control accidents in New Mexico are mainly caused by speeding, rider impairment, inexperience, road hazards, wind or bad weather, cornering, or lane-departure errors. When a motorcyclist loses control of his or her bike, it can lead to a serious accident and debilitating injuries.
Speeding and Reckless Riding
Motorcyclists in Albuquerque have a responsibility to obey all of New Mexico’s road and traffic laws, including speed limits. They must reduce their speeds to below the posted speed limit in dangerous conditions, such as bad weather.
Speeding on a motorcycle is particularly dangerous, as it limits reaction times and may cause the motorcyclist to slam on the brakes. Abrupt braking can cause a motorcyclist to lay the bike down and crash.
Impaired Driving
Though it’s against the law to operate a motor vehicle (including a motorcycle) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in New Mexico, many riders make this reckless mistake every year. A great deal of coordination, balance and strength are required to keep a motorcycle upright. Impaired riding can easily lead to a loss of motorcycle control, as intoxication can weaken a rider’s ability to steer and control the bike.
Rider Inexperience
Safely operating a motorcycle takes adequate training, experience and practice. Experienced riders know their limits and which type of motorcycle is right for them. They also know how to handle unexpected hazards or changing roadway situations, such as bad weather or negligent drivers. An inexperienced rider, on the other hand, lacks the defensive riding skills and knowledge to avoid common crash risks.
Environmental Hazards
New Mexico has unique environmental hazards for motorcyclists. The desert comes with a risk of extreme conditions and abrupt weather changes, such as high winds, dust storms, rain storms, monsoons, extreme heat, flash flooding and wildlife crossings. The roads in New Mexico can also become hazardous for motorcyclists due to the weather, with risks such as potholes, loose gravel, sand, standing water and uneven surfaces.
Unsafe Cornering
Unsafe cornering is one of the most common causes of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. “Cornering” refers to leaning the rider’s body on the motorcycle in the direction of the curve. It is a maneuver of the body that must be done with care. If a motorcyclist speeds, misjudges a curve, brakes incorrectly or makes other mistakes while cornering, it can lead to a loss of control accident.
Lane-Departure Errors
A motorcyclist unintentionally drifting across a centerline, off the side of the road or intentionally breaking the law by lane-splitting can all result in a dangerous loss of motorcycle control. Errors such as overcorrecting, inadequate steering, speeding or fixating on a target (which causes the rider to unintentionally steer the motorcycle toward the object) can lead to a lane-departure accident.
Motorcycle Defects
Some loss-of-control motorcycle accidents are not the rider’s fault but caused by vehicle defects. Defective motorcycle parts, such as brakes, tires or steering, can cause a dangerous malfunction in the middle of a ride that makes the operator lose control and crash. The manufacturer or distributor of the defective motorcycle or part can be held responsible for these collisions through a product liability claim in New Mexico.
If you’ve been injured in any type of motorcycle accident in New Mexico, contact us today for a free consultation about your legal options.