Motorcycle riders face significant risks every time they share the road with cars. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists have minimal protection, so even a minor crash can result in severe injuries, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. In Hawaii, motorcycle accidents represent a significant portion of traffic deaths despite motorcycles being only a small percentage of registered vehicles. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections or when car drivers make left turns across oncoming traffic.
At Recovery Law Center, attorney Glenn Honda has dedicated over 29 years to helping injured motorcyclists and their families. Our mission is simple: help injured people recover damages. We know that proving fault in motorcycle and car crashes can be complicated, but we handle everything. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for you, allowing you to focus on your physical and financial recovery.
Recovery Law Center Helps Motorcyclists After Motorcycle and Car Crashes
When motorcycle accidents happen, the aftermath can feel overwhelming for injured motorcyclists. You may be dealing with missed work time and calls from insurance companies questioning the determination of fault. Recovery Law Center is here to protect you.
Car drivers frequently cause such accidents because they fail to notice motorcycles, make unsafe lane changes, or violate traffic laws. At Recovery Law Center, we use evidence to show who is legally responsible, such as:
- Medical reports
- Accident report details
- Statements from involved parties
Whether the at-fault driver made a left-hand turn into an oncoming motorcycle or caused a rear-end collision, we fight to hold them accountable. Our law firm offers a free consultation, allowing individuals who have been injured to explore their legal options and initiate their financial recovery without incurring additional costs or risks.
Why Car Drivers Are Often at Fault
Most motorcycle crashes point to driver negligence because the driver violated traffic laws, failed to yield, or engaged in distracted driving. Passenger vehicle drivers often fail to notice motorcycles because they are smaller than other vehicles and can be hidden by blind spots. Drivers may look but not actually “see” a motorcycle, a phenomenon called inattentional blindness. When drivers fail to yield during a left turn or ignore oncoming traffic, they put the motorcycle rider at risk.
Because motorcyclists have minimal protection, even a low-speed car accident can cause more serious injuries than collisions involving two vehicles of equal size. This is why car drivers are often at fault. Their failure to follow traffic laws is a primary cause of most motorcycle accidents. Proving this negligence is essential for injured motorcyclists seeking fair compensation.
Fault determination after motorcycle collisions involves examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators review police reports, accident report findings, and physical evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle positions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Car Collisions
Motorcycle collisions occur for various reasons, but most accidents are attributed to driver errors. Passenger vehicle drivers are often at fault because they overlook motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance. Here are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes involving cars:
- Left Turn and Left Hand Turn Accidents – Many motorcycle accidents are caused when a car makes a left turn across an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers fail to notice motorcycles or assume they can turn before the oncoming motorcyclist reaches the intersection.
- Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spots – Car drivers often change lanes without checking their blind spots, which can lead to side swipes and serious collisions involving motorcycles.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS takes a driver’s eyes off the road. When other drivers are distracted, they may not notice motorcycles until it is too late.
- Rear End Collisions – Motorcycles can stop faster than cars. If a car follows too closely, it can easily cause a rear-end collision, leading to significant injuries.
- Inexperienced Drivers – Drivers with a new driver’s license may not be familiar with sharing the road with motorcycles, which increases the likelihood of an at-fault accident situation.
- Adverse Weather Conditions and Road Hazards – Rain, potholes, and loose gravel create dangerous conditions for motorcycles. If other vehicles fail to slow down, they put motorcyclists at risk.
Such accidents often leave motorcyclists injured and facing long recoveries. Because motorcycles offer minimal protection, most motorcycle crashes lead to more serious injuries than car crashes involving two vehicles.
The Seriousness of Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accidents caused by other drivers can result in catastrophic injuries that change a person’s life forever. Because motorcycles offer minimal protection, most motorcycle crashes lead to significant injuries even at low speeds. Catastrophic injuries are common after motorcycle-car collisions. Many injured motorcyclists require:
- Surgery
- Months of physical therapy
- Long-term medical care
Medical bills can add up quickly, creating stress for the injured person and their family. In addition to physical harm, motorcycle crashes often cause emotional trauma, including anxiety and fear of riding again. Some motorcyclists injured in car collisions suffer permanent disability, making it impossible to return to their jobs.
Our law firm uses medical reports and qualified testimony to show how these injuries affect every part of a client’s life. This evidence enables us to pursue fair compensation and secure the financial recovery necessary to cover treatment, future care, and lost earning potential.
Safety Tips to Prevent Motorcycle and Car Crashes
At Recovery Law Center, we don’t just fight for injured motorcyclists. We want to help prevent future crashes. Safer roads protect riders, drivers, and every family in our community. Here are practical, proven steps that can reduce motorcycle and car crashes.
1. Safe Driving Habits for Car Drivers
Car drivers are often at fault in motorcycle-car crashes because they fail to notice motorcycles or misjudge the distance between their vehicles. To prevent such accidents, drivers should always check their blind spots before making lane changes, use mirrors correctly, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions. Yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn or a left-hand turn, and slow down in adverse weather conditions. Avoid distracted driving. Put down the phone, keep your eyes on the road, and follow traffic laws at all times.
2. Smart Riding Habits for Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle riders face significant risks, but they can lower their chances of severe injuries by using protective gear, including DOT-approved helmets, gloves, and reflective clothing. Keep headlights on during the day, avoid staying in a car’s blind spot, and be ready to brake or swerve when road hazards appear. These habits reduce the chances of motorcycle collisions and keep riders visible to other vehicles.
3. Education for Inexperienced Drivers
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers who lack an understanding of how to share the road safely. Driver education programs should emphasize spotting motorcycles, respecting lane positions, and avoiding unsafe lane changes. Teaching new drivers about the significant injuries motorcyclists suffer when drivers fail to yield builds safer habits early and prevents most accidents before they happen.
Compassionate Legal Support for Hawaii Motorcyclists
Getting into a motorcycle accident in Hawaii is always tough, especially when it’s not your fault. Dealing with the legal side can add a lot of stress when all you want to do is heal.
At Recovery Law Center, we handle those challenges for you. Attorney Glenn Honda and our legal team are committed to securing fair compensation for motorcyclists who have suffered injuries. We work to recover the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
If you were injured in a motorcycle or car accident, contact us today for a free consultation or complete our online form for a free case review. We’ll go through your case and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
