Motorcycles are less visible on the road to other drivers and are less stable than four-wheel vehicles. Motorcyclists face many more risks on the road than drivers who are in a closed vehicle. Injuries from an accident when you’re on a motorcycle are often much more serious than if they would be if you were in a car.
Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries
The largest percentage of injuries after a non-fatal motorcycle accident were to the legs and feet. The next most common were head and neck injuries. Helmet use reduced the severity of injuries to the head, but many people still don’t use helmets when riding. Road rash, the cuts, scrapes and bruises that occur after a motorcycle accident is another common injury.
Motorcycle Fatality Rates
Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2016, but motorcycles only account for about 3% of all vehicles registered. The odds of dying in a motorcycle accident are 1 in 770, which is a much higher risk than dying in a car crash. Motorcycle deaths have been on the rise since 2000.
Injuries to motorcyclists declined from 2014 to 2015, but 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2015 in the United States. It’s reported that over 78% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries. In cars, only about 31% percent of accidents result in injuries. You are nine times more likely to be injured in a motorcycle accident than while driving a car.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons. Typically, it’s because motorists fail to notice motorcycles. Distracted driving has a huge impact on motorcycle accidents, but inexperience, driving under the influence and speeding all contribute to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are more difficult to see on the road, but accidents occur because other motorists aren’t paying attention.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re in a motorcycle accident, the first thing to do is to get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem mild, you should make sure that you do not have internal or unseen injuries. Get as much information as you can about the other driver and vehicle. Have a friend help you collect evidence by taking pictures of the scene and your injuries.
You may want to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer about your case. You will need to contact your insurance company and file a claim against the other driver. The insurance company may try to place the blame on you. Your attorney can help you find the best resolution for your situation.