Motorcycle Accidents
The popularity of motorcycles has steadily increased over the years. In 2007, about 950,000 motorcycles were sold in the U.S. Unfortunately, while the number of motorcycles on the road has increased, the level of awareness among other motorists has not.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics report that there were 88,000 motorcyclists reported as injured during 2006, with 4,810 motorcyclists died due to accidents and collisions on roadways. That’s an increase of 5 percent over the 4,576 motorcyclists killed in 2005.
Accidents involving motorcycles can often be devastating and usually end up causing serious injury or death for the person(s) on the motorcycle. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), paralysis, multiple fractures, internal injury, and loss of limbs are some of the dangers that motorcycle riders face when they share the roads. That’s why proper precautions should be taken at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Many times the accidents that occur are not the fault of the motorcycle rider, but of the other vehicle because their drivers are inattentive or fail to see the rider. This can result in the car or truck turning directly in front of the motorcycle, running a traffic signal or stop sign and causing a collision, or following too closely and running into the rear of the bike when it comes to a stop.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Limited visibility - Intersections, buildings, parked or turning vehicles and shrubbery may prevent other motorists from seeing bikes. About seven of every 10 motorcycle accidents occur at intersections.
Road hazards - Potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris and uneven pavement are especially hazardous to motorcyclists.
Invisibility of motorcyclists - The motorcyclist may go undetected by other drivers. Truck drivers are at even more risk of missing a motorcyclist. Drivers of these huge vehicles often have blind spots and may not see the comparatively small motorcycle.
Weather – Heavy rain, snow, hail, etc. can lead to decreased visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and interests. A qualified motorcycle injury attorney can help you win compensation to take care of past and future medical bills, loss of wages, and damages from pain and suffering.
If you would recommendation of a motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact us for the name of a motorcycle accident lawyer in your state.
