Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers on the roadway because they lack the protection available to those inside traditional passenger vehicles. The very nature of these vehicles means that there are more roadway hazards. This is particularly true when it comes to hazards caused by rainy conditions. Here, we want to discuss the main hazards motorcyclists face when it comes to rain and wet roadways.
When there is an ongoing rainstorm, this is going to decrease the visibility of every motorist on the roadway. Most vehicle drivers are accustomed to looking out for other vehicles on the roadway that have two headlights. However, a motorcycle only has one headlight and one tail light, and this can lead to disorientation during a rainstorm. For example, a vehicle driver may not even notice a motorcyclist on the roadway, and they could mistake a motorcycle headlight or taillight as something other than a vehicle, particularly in the evening and nighttime hours.
Motorcyclists face a whole different range of hazards when rain falls from the sky. Motorcyclists do not have an enclosed vehicle to protect them from the rain. Anything that falls from the sky will fall right into a motorcyclist’s face. They do not have the luxury of windshield wipers. We strongly recommend that all motorcyclists pull their bikes to a safe location when the rain starts falling and wait until it is safe to operate the motorcycle before heading out again.
Every driver knows that slick roadways present more hazards than dry roadways. This is true for traditional passenger vehicles as well as motorcyclists.
Because motorcyclists lack the same type of protection as those inside traditional passenger vehicles, an accident caused by rainy conditions could lead to severe injuries. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to sustain broken and dislocated bones, traumatic brain injuries, open head wounds, spinal cord injuries, severe lacerations or puncture wounds, and other injuries as a result of these crashes.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to speak to an attorney immediately. If you believe that the accident was caused by another driver, a Denver motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help determine liability, handle all communication with the insurance carriers, and work to recover full compensation for your losses. Motorcycle accidents that occur in rainy conditions could certainly be the fault of other parties, particularly if other drivers failed to take the rainy conditions into account when operating their vehicle.
