How Often Are Motorcycle Accidents?
How Often Are Motorcycle Accidents Caused?
Motorcycles are one of the most common vehicles, yet they are rarely the only cause of motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 14% of all motor vehicle accidents result in fatalities. The reason for these accidents is largely due to a lack of awareness and recognition on the part of the motorists. In addition to this, the speed of motor vehicles can contribute to the severity of motorcycle accidents.
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Approximately 14% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles
Motorcycle accidents occur for several reasons. Most often, they involve a collision with another vehicle, typically a passenger car. However, motorcycles can also be involved in accidents with a fixed object, such as a lamppost or a fence. In addition, about one-third of motorcycle accidents result from a motorist failing to recognize a motorcycle.
The fatality rate for motorcycles is highest in Florida, followed by California and Texas. It is much lower in colder weather states. According to the NHTSA, approximately 5,014 people were killed in motorcycling accidents in 2019, with nearly 84,000 people injured. Motorcyclists are also 29 times more likely than other types of vehicles to be involved in a collision, and they are four times more likely to be injured.
Speeds
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, with nearly one-third of crashes involving speeding motorists. Speeding is more dangerous than driving at a safe speed, and it can result in a much more serious crash. Speeding is also associated with a greater risk of losing control of your bike, and it also limits your ability to brake in time, making it more difficult to avoid a crash.
Speeding reduces your margin of error for avoiding an accident, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to it. A high-speed crash can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. In addition, many drivers don’t see motorcycles or signal them, and speeding can affect their reaction time.
Locations
The locations of motorcycle accidents are not always clear, but it’s important to know where they happen. Most motorcycle crashes occur on two-lane highways, where motorists have limited time to observe their surroundings and yield to motorcyclists. These roads also tend to have higher speeds and loose asphalt. Motorcyclists should also watch for potholes and faded road lines.
While head-on collisions are rarer than sideswipe collisions, they account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities. These accidents often involve drunk or speeding drivers. Regardless of the cause of the accident, these types of collisions are dangerous for motorcyclists and can lead to serious injury.
Prevention
Motorcycle crashes can be prevented by paying attention to the surrounding traffic. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by another vehicle that was not aware of the motorcycle, so it’s critical to stay vigilant. Always be aware of your blind spots, signal your intentions, and avoid distractions. Keeping your head up and alert while changing lanes is vital.
When merging, give cars enough space to stop. If you have to stop, make sure you stop at the side of the road. When approaching an intersection, be aware of pedestrians and drivers. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to crashes due to inclement weather, so you should slow down. Likewise, motorcycles are often rear-ended by cars. It’s important to make yourself visible to motorists when approaching intersections, as well as to pedestrians and animals.
Compensation
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the injuries you suffered. The amount you can claim will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery time, and the cost of medical care. In addition to medical costs, you may also be eligible to claim lost wages. Your injury solicitor can help you with this process.
First, you will need to determine who was at fault. The accident could have been the fault of a negligent driver, a defective product, or an issue with road signs or infrastructure. Once you have established who was at fault, you will need to prove that the defendant breached a duty of care that resulted in your injuries. To make sure you can be compensated for your injuries, it is best to hire a trustworthy motorcycle accident attorney. These attorneys will review the circumstances of your case and determine if a third party can be held accountable.