When you’re riding a motorcycle in New Hampshire, the roads can be beautiful, but they’re also unpredictable.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research shows that motorcycles are 28 times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to occupants in passenger vehicles. Motorcycle crashes can change someone’s life in a moment. Riders often tell us that the crash itself happened so fast they barely had time to react, and the days afterward felt even more overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle collision, a Dover motorcycle accident attorney at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. can explain your options and guide you through the personal injury process.
Where do most motorcycle accidents happen in New Hampshire?
Most motorcycle accidents in New Hampshire happen in places where traffic changes quickly, with major intersections being especially dangerous. In Dover, the intersection at Central Avenue and the Spaulding Turnpike (Exit 9) is one of the busiest in the city and a frequent spot for crashes involving left turns and sudden lane shifts.
Rural two-lane roads are another common crash location. Routes like 16, 4, and the Kancamagus Highway combine higher speeds and blind curves. Even experienced riders can be hit when a passenger vehicle crosses the center line or an impaired driver misjudges a gap.
Multi-lane corridors are also risky. On I-93, the Spaulding Turnpike, and Route 101, riders frequently report cars merging into their lane or drifting during congested traffic. These environments create quick and unpredictable movements that leave riders with barely any room to react.
Why are intersections so dangerous for riders?
Intersections are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents because drivers often misjudge what a rider can see or avoid. Even when everyone follows the speed limit, a driver making a left turn may not register an approaching motorcycle until it’s too late. This is considered the “looked-but-didn’t-see” problem.
In New Hampshire, we often see motorcycle crashes occur when:
- A driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- A passenger vehicle pulls out from a side road without checking blind spots
These moments force riders to make instant decisions. Higher speeds on state roads can make these situations even riskier.
Why do so many motorcycle accidents occur on rural and two-lane roads?
New Hampshire’s rural roads are some of the most scenic in New England, but they’re also common locations for serious motorcycle crashes. Wildlife, turning trucks, or a driver drifting over the center line can leave riders with nowhere to go.
Many motorcycle accidents happen here because:
- Cars and trucks travel at higher speeds
- Drivers may not expect to see a motorcycle in their lane
- Limited lighting reduces visibility at dusk or dawn
Riders can’t avoid everything on these roads, especially when another driver is impaired or distracted.
Do most motorcycle crashes involve higher speeds?
Higher speeds don’t cause every crash, but they do make every mistake far more serious. When a motorcycle accident occurs at higher speeds, the impact forces are much stronger, which is why fatal motorcycle accidents increase sharply above 40–50 mph.
Importantly, not all high-speed crashes are caused by the rider. Many involve impaired drivers who drift over the line, misjudge a gap, or fail to yield.
Talk to a motorcycle lawyer in Dover today
A motorcycle crash can leave you dealing with pain and sudden changes in your day-to-day life. When you’re trying to recover, it helps to have someone who can speak to insurance companies on your behalf and handle all the legal processes.. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help investigate how a crash happened if fault is in question. Shaheen & Gordon is one of the largest firms in New Hampshire and has a long history of supporting those who’ve been harmed through no fault of their own.
Request a free consultation today at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to understand your options after a motorcycle accident in Dover. Our team offers meetings at convenient office locations, virtual appointments, and support in multiple languages.
