Motorcycle Accidents
Posted Friday, March 6, 2020 by Chris Thayer
Unfortunately, if you are involved in an accident as a motorcycle rider, there is a high likelihood that you will be seriously injured. Learning how dangerous motorcycle accidents can be to riders may help motorists understand that they have a responsibility to always watch for motorcycles on the road, and remind motorcycle riders to always ride defensively and with caution.
*Shocking Motorcycle Accident Statistics*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research showed that on average, over 5,000 motorcycle riders died in motorcycle crashes every year. The Insurance Information Institute shows even more statistics illustrating how dangerous motorcycle accidents can be to riders. Serious risks are associated with riding a motorcycle, and both motorcycle riders and motorists should remain vigilant on the roadways to ensure safety and avoid accidents. Some of the shocking statistics associated with motorcycle accidents are listed below.
- Motorcyclists are five times more prone to suffer serious or catastrophic injuries, and almost 30 times more likely to die in an accident.
- 40% of motorcyclists killed in accidents did not have a helmet on at the time. While helmets prevent traumatic brain injuries and death, statistics show that not even 50% all motorcycle riders wear them at any given time. Wearing a helmet has been determined to be one of the most effective ways of not only preventing head trauma and traumatic brain injuries, but also surviving a motorcycle accident.
- Motorists of vehicles are typically responsible for accidents involving motorcycles. All motorists should take extra precautions to always make sure that they look for motorcyclists in their entire field of vision.
- Continuing the theory that accidents happen due to negligence, and not outside circumstances, roadway obstacles (such as potholes or debris) are only responsible for 2% of accidents involving motorcycles.
- 92% of all motorcycle riders that are involved in accidents received absolutely no training or classes regarding motorcycle riding or safety. Motorcycle riders also have a responsibility to learn how to avoid accidents and what to do in dangerous situations on the roadways.
- Another cause of motorcycle accidents is also entirely preventable. Almost half of all motorcycle accidents that involve fatalities involve the rider being under the influence of alcohol.
- Shockingly, less than 10% of motorcycle riders involved in accidents had insurance. Make sure to be extra vigilant during the evening hours. Statistics show that 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. are the most dangerous times for motorcycle riders.
*Visit With an Experienced Attorney Today *If you were involved in an accident as a motorcycle rider, you may have the right to receive compensation from a negligent driver. You may be facing astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering. Contact our experienced personal injury and motorcycle accident attorneys at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.