When it comes to educating the public on legal matters, few people are as determined as Michael Hawkins. From discovering issues of interest that concern all of us to offering actionable articles and guides to those in need, Michael is relentless in his journey of helping people make sense of the legal system. With dozens of pieces published in magazines, news outlets, and online journals, Michael is here to translate legalese into plain English so you can understand your rights and make the system work in your benefit.
5 Less Known Facts About Motorcycle Accidents that Might Save Your Life
Motorcycle accidents are exceedingly common in the United States. Despite these staggering numbers, many people still choose to ride motorcycles without the proper training or gear for safety. These accidents are often deadly and can cause severe physical and emotional injuries. For this reason, riders need to know what to do if they get into a motorcycle crash. The risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident is three times that of car drivers and passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are four major causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Distraction
- Impairment
- Speed
- Visibility issues such as weather conditions
- Lighting
- Road conditions
Distraction is one of the biggest reasons why many riders get into accidents.
Not only can distractions cause one to make mistakes while riding, but they can also take a person’s attention away from what’s happening around. Thus, this means that it takes longer for one to react when an accident happens because they are not paying attention to the surroundings. However, according to an Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer, some lesser-known facts about motorcycle accidents might save you in the long run.
1. Most motorcycle accidents occur within 25 miles of home.
Most people don’t realize that most motorcycle accidents happen within 25 miles of home. Due to that, they travel on familiar roads and highways that they know like the back of their hand, making them more likely to be distracted or careless while riding and eventually cause accidents.
2. Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate than cars.
Although, it is not just because they make it easy for riders to get into trouble but because they can be challenging to control, even when everything goes right. People often assume that motorcycling is safer than driving a car, but they’re wrong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycles have 26 times higher death rates than cars. For this reason, motorcycles have less protection for riders when they crash. In addition, they often lack airbags and other safety features in passenger vehicles.
3. Most motorcycle crashes involve only one vehicle.
Motorcycle accidents don’t always involve two vehicles colliding with each other. More than half of every motorcycle crash are single-vehicle accidents — meaning the rider hits another object or swerves off the road and hits something on his own. At higher speeds, it’s easier for the driver to avoid a crash by maneuvering out of harm’s way or braking quickly enough before impact occurs.
In these cases, the rider may not be at fault for losing control of his bike, but he could still be liable for damages if he’s negligent. In addition, if you’re injured in an accident involving another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation from that person’s insurance company through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
4. Most motorcycle deaths occur in urban areas, not rural ones.
Ninety-three percent of motorcycle fatalities happen on urban roads, while only 7 percent occur on rural roads. It makes sense because more motorcycles are on city streets than based on country roads. Still, it also suggests that city planners should reduce the number of deaths among motorcyclists by making roads safer for them and their passengers.
5. Most motorcycle fatalities happen at intersections or on roads with stop signs or traffic lights.
It is because riders often have less visibility than other drivers, making it more difficult for the riders to see other vehicles approaching intersections. In addition, many riders try to squeeze between lanes when they come up on stop signs or traffic lights, particularly if they’re late for work or in a hurry to get home after spending time with friends after they get off work.
Bottom Line
If you ride your motorcycle frequently, make sure you use extra caution when approaching stop signs and traffic lights to avoid being involved in an accident. Wear safety gear and always follow the rules. In case of an accident, ensure you get the proper medical treatment for your injuries and contact a lawyer to protect your rights and recover compensation.
