Riding motorcycles remains a convenient means of transportation for some and a popular leisure activity for many. However, because of the exposure to the rider and the lack of safety mechanisms available on a motorcycle (i.e., seat belts, air bags, etc.), injury from an accident is much more likely on a motorcycle than if you are in a car or truck.
According to a recent Insurance Information Institute study, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passengers in a car to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and almost five times more likely to be injured.
Due to the higher risk associated with motorcycling, motorcycle accidents are increasingly common. Read on as we break down how to stay safe on the road and what you can do if you find yourself in an accident.
Watch the Speed Limit
Motorcycles are beloved because of their flexibility, affordability and performance. They make shorter travel times possible but there is a cost; the fatality rate among motorcycle riders remains significantly higher than that of passenger vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle crashes are on the rise and 33% of motorcycle crashes involved speeding from 2016 to 2020. Crashes are especially prevalent during the weekends and throughout the summer months (June-September). If you are one of many who enjoys a summer motorcycle ride, be sure to abide by the speed limit to decrease your risk of being involved in an accident.
Be Wary of Reckless and Distracted Drivers
You may be a good driver, but many others on the road are not. About a third of motorcycle crashes are the result of reckless, careless, or distracted driving. These can include: texting while driving, not observing speed limits, failing to pay proper attention to the road and being inexperienced. There is no way for you to know who you are on the road with so be cautious and assume every one of your counterparts on the road are inexperienced drivers. This added caution will go a long way in keeping you out of harm’s way.
Take Precautions When Changing Lanes
Drivers can make errors in judgment when deciding to turn or change lanes, which puts motorcycles at further risk. Drivers can miscalculate the distance between their cars and other vehicles and since motorcycles are smaller in size, they are less visible and drivers who change lanes quickly often fail to check their blind spots. Unfortunately, this doesn’t give motorcyclists a lot of time to react and avoid an accident. When you consider the size of your motorcycle compared to other vehicles on the road, as well as car drivers’ tendencies to quickly switch lanes, you could find yourself being involved in an accident through no fault of your own.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Fight For You
For more than 30 years, the attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury have been fighting for the rights of our clients. We have taken on the large insurance companies and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims. Beyond that, we strive to provide motorcycle accident victims with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on their side.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, our attorneys are here to help. We know that you will have many questions about your rights and the claim process, and we always take the time to explain them to you. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
