Some of you may have heard your parents say, “riding a motorcycle is dangerous.” Even amongst the best and most experienced riders, this is sadly a true statement. Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcycles come with higher risks of accident and injury.
Bad motorcycle crashes can have severe, and sometimes deadly, consequences. After a crash occurs, seeking compensation is critical. A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer assists victims with their personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Lack of Protection
Unlike occupants of a car, motorcycle occupants are fully exposed. This lack of protection can result in greater chance of injury including road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
Helmet use, motorcycle jackets, heavy pants, gloves, and boots are crucial to preventing injury. Wearing proper protective gear, and a DOT-approved helmet can prevent severe injuries like a brain injury from a motorcycle accident.
Smaller Size and Visibility
Due to the size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles on the road, they may be less visible. Lack of visibility can mean that other drivers may not see the motorcycle in their blind spots or at intersections. This can cause negligent drivers to maneuver in front of or into motorcycles, causing crashes. Poor weather conditions and dark color motorcycles can hinder visibility and increase risks.
Road Hazards
Road maintenance and road hazards present a unique risk to motorcyclists. While a four-wheel vehicle may easily drive over potholes, gravel, or debris, on a motorcycle a similar maneuver can be devastating. Single vehicle collisions with objects can cause riders to be thrown or to wipe out. Riders need to be ever vigilant of these potential dangers.
Speed and Agility
Motorcycles are able to accelerate quicker than most cars. They are also more responsive and agile than other vehicles on the road. However, speeding and other dangerous behaviors like lane splitting can cause serious crashes. The speed and agility of motorcycles can also increase risks of corner-turning accidents if the rider loses control.
Weather Conditions
While conditions like rain and fog can reduce visibility, weather conditions can also cause other dangers. Roads can become slippery causing riders to wipe out. Strong winds can also cause riders to be blown to the side. In poor weather conditions, inexperience can have dire implications. Taking motorcycle safety courses to learn proper techniques when caught in bad weather can be beneficial.
Drunk or Distracted Driving
Impaired driving on the part of drivers and riders can cause crashes. Alcohol use can cause vehicle operators to lose control leading to single vehicle and multi-vehicle accidents. In 2022, 42% of riders killed in crashes were alcohol impaired. It is crucial to only ride sober for the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Similarly, inattention is extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, distracted driving is on the rise as drivers and riders use handheld devices while operating a vehicle. This causes them to look away from the road leading to collisions.
Aggressive or Reckless Riding
Aggressive driving can lead to any number of crashes. Rear-end collisions from sudden stops or lane switching, head-on collisions, and left-turn accidents can have serious implications for motorcyclists. Reckless driving on the part of drivers and riders alike can cause these crashes. Practicing defensive riding, maintaining a safe speed, and following the rules of the road can prevent collisions.
Statistics and Comparative Risk
Fatality rates among motorcyclists is unfortunately high compared to the number of motorcycles on the road. According to NHTSA statistics, in 2022 there were 6,218 motorcycle fatalities. This accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities across the country. This was the highest number of fatalities since 1975.
Moreover, NHTSA data shows that 67% of 2022 riders wore DOT-compliant helmets and initial numbers for 2023 show that approximately 74% wore helmets. This is the highest ever recorded number on proper helmet usage.
Appropriate rider training and practicing safe riding habits like riding responsibly, riding sober, and wearing protective gear can decrease the chances of accidents and injuries. Following these and other motorcycle tips to prevent accidents is essential to riders’ and passengers’ safety.
Contact A Lawyer From The Law Offices Of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C.
Recovering compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering is critical after a motorcycle crash. Motorcycles are dangerous and the risk of motorcycle accidents is high, underscoring the importance of fighting for a just settlement.
If you need assistance with your motorcycle accident claim, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. for a free consultation. We’ve helped numerous clients recover fair compensation for their injuries.