Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in the United States

How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur? It is much more likely for a motorcyclist to have an accident than a person driving a car. This can be attributed to the relatively smaller size, minimal protection and exposure of motorcycles. Also due to the fact that it can often be harder to notice, motorcycles can become a magnet for accidents.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents tend to result in serious injuries. This is largely due to the relative lack of protection offered to motorcyclists. Some common motorcycle injuries include:

Head and Neck Injury: A motorcyclist who has been in an accident can have a concussion, cracked skull, and even brain damage. Neck injuries can also be sustained and this is just as tricky as head injuries as it can affect the spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis or even death.

Road rash: This is also another common motorcycle injury. It involves a cut, scrape, bruise, surface nerve damage, irritation or infection. It is usually caused by friction that will occur due to the motorcyclist sliding on the road. Rashes can be avoided or their impact minimized by wearing protective clothing like leather jackets, gloves and knee pads.

Muscle damage: Muscle damage is dangerous because it can lead to permanent paralysis. As a cyclist, it is important to protect yourself properly by wearing protective gear. You should also seek medical attention promptly after the accident.

Limb injury: It is instinctive to throw your arms out to block or minimize impact. But it can cause serious arm injuries such as fractures, fractures or lacerations. Limb injuries can also result in strains, sprains, dislocations, or fractures of the bones of either limb.

Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

Motorcycle accidents happen for a multitude of reasons. Ranging from carelessness to simple inattention, the causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Speeding: This still remains one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. When a driver exceeds speeds, it becomes more difficult to stop in an emergency or control the motorcycle.
Dangerous lane changes: There is a risk of collision with another road user if a driver changes lanes without giving a signal with their side pointers. This can also happen if the driver does not check their blind spots before deciding to change lanes.
Disregarding traffic rules: Traffic rules are there to help all road users. Failure to obey them often leads to chaos. Running red lights, ignoring stop signs and lane rules are some of the factors that will lead to accidents here.
Opening a car door in a motorcycle: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. This happens when a driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Often when this happens, the driver is at fault for not using their mirrors or the cyclist is changing lanes.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI or drunk driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. In 2011, 9,878 people were victims of drunk drivers according to the 2014 report released by National Highway Traffic Society Administration. This implies that someone is injured in a drunk driving incident every 120 seconds.
Dangerous Road Conditions: Poor or dangerous road conditions also contribute to the number of bicycle accidents recorded each year. Sharp turns, busy intersections, uneven surfaces or road obstacles can cause accidents. Weather conditions such as snow rain fog etc.
Motorcycle Defects: Faulty motorcycle parts also contribute to motorcycle accidents, thereby endangering the lives of the rider and third-party users. Some can be prevented by proper maintenance and others cannot. If the accident occurs as a result of a defective or poorly designed motorcycle part, the manufacturer may be liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.

Are You More Likely to Die in a Car or Motorcycle Accident?

Compared to motorists, cyclists are less likely to survive an accident. This is because motorcycles are open and vulnerable than closed vehicles. They are also less visible than cars on the road, especially when it is foggy or dark. The 2012 NHTSA report indicated that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were more than 26 percent more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.

Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors

Risk factors for people in motorcycle accidents include:

“THE ALCOHOL EFFECT”

According to the NHTSA, 27% of motorcyclists who were involved in fatal motorcycle crashes had a blood alcohol level above 0.08 while operating a motorcycle. The highest incidence of fatal crashes due to age and alcohol was recorded among middle-aged people between 40 and 44 years old.

AGE

The NHTSA report also shows that the average age of cyclists (including motorcyclists) killed in traffic accidents was 45 years old. A steady increase has been recorded, with 41 years being the average age.