Motorcycles offer a wide variety of benefits for those who own them. In some cases they can be much more cost effective than other vehicles with regards to insurance costs. Unfortunately, safety is not one of these benefits. Statistics show that in 2015 over 88,000 motorcyclists were injured as a result of accidents on the road. Additionally, motorcycle accidents made up 14% of the total road fatalities for the year. Due to the exposure of the rider, the risk of severe injury is much larger than that in regular vehicles. Over the course of this blog, we’ll evaluate the common causes of motorcycle accidents and provide legal insights for what to expect if you’ve suffered an injury while riding.
Causes
The road is a dangerous and unpredictable environment for motorcyclists and many different factors contribute to the amount of motorcycle accidents that occur each year. The negligence of other drivers is a significant contributor and almost 50% of all fatal motorcycle crashes are the result of drunk driving. Motorcyclists are commonly hit from behind, which can potentially cause the rider to be crushed beneath other vehicles on the road. Left-turn collisions are also a frequent occurrence, resulting from a vehicle entering the lane as they turn through traffic. Not wearing a helmet or protective eye-wear is also a prominent cause of accidents because weather conditions or unforeseen hazards can impair the vision of the rider. Wearing the right protective gear can go a long way in mitigating some injuries, but given the nature of motorcycle accidents, it’s often not enough to prevent riders from being seriously hurt during a collision.
Why Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve suffered an injury as the result of a motorcycle accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer to review your case. Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident can be very complicated and there are many benefits to employing the resources of a trained legal team to research and investigate the nuances of your unique situation. Because motorcycle crashes frequently result in long-term debilitating injuries, these accidents can impact your ability to work or function without help from a loved one or medical professional. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for lost wages and medical bills and gives you the best chance of securing a favorable verdict in the event that your case goes to court.
