Do you ride a motorcycle and feel concerned about the dangers of navigating busy roads today?
You should be. Motorcycle accident rates continue to climb at an alarming pace while their statistics remain terrifyingly high. The year 2023 witnessed a record-breaking 6,335 motorcycle fatalities since recordkeeping started federally in 1975.
But here’s the thing…
Motorcycles represent only 3% of all registered vehicles yet they make up 14% of total traffic fatalities. The significant imbalance shows how vulnerable motorcycle riders remain when sharing the road.
The good news? Knowledge of accident causes and legal options enhances safety protection and rights defense for motorcyclists. Many riders don’t realize they have substantial legal recourse after an accident, especially with the help of an expert attorney for motorcycle accidents who specializes in these complex cases.
This guide will detail the primary reasons motorcycles crash and provide specific instructions for your response if you experience such an incident.
Your Roadmap to Protection:
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
How to Choose the Right Attorney
Compensation You Deserve
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents result from various causes yet accident reports show that specific factors repeat themselves. Knowing these normal accident causes lets you maintain awareness and prevent harmful situations.
Driver Negligence
Motorcycle crashes often occur because car drivers fail to notice motorcyclists on the road. This “invisibility” leads to:
Unsafe lane changes
Turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles
Opening car doors without checking
Following too closely behind motorcycles
During 2023 most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occurred when cars did not give motorcyclists their right of way. Many vehicle operators lack adequate training to detect motorcycles which leads to poor visibility of these smaller vehicles in traffic.
Alcohol Impairment
Alcoholic consumption continues to be a principal source of danger for motorcycle accident victims. In 2023, the percentage of motorcyclists killed in crashes who were alcohol-impaired reached 26% (1,668) with BAC levels above .08.
Operating motorcycles demands greater coordination and balance compared to cars, which turns alcohol impairment into a more serious threat for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle riders who consume even minimal levels of alcohol experience significant impairment in their ability to operate their vehicle safely.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed kills – especially on motorcycles. During 2022 a shocking 35% of fatal motorcycle crash victims were found to be speeding.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Motorcyclists hold specific legal protections after an accident that many riders fail to understand or know how to claim.
Right to Compensation
Motorcyclists who get hurt because of another person’s carelessness can pursue compensation for their losses.
Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Motorcycle riders frequently underestimate the total compensation they can receive from long-term injuries. Weekend motorcycle riding carries heightened danger because accidents during this time show a fatality rate that is double the usual level.
Overcoming Bias
It’s clear that motorcyclists frequently face unfair bias from others. Insurance adjusters and jurors along with the general public often perceive motorcyclists as reckless without evidence.
Knowledgeable motorcycle accident legal services are essential because they help fight against biases that motorcyclists face. An experienced attorney can fight these biases. The statistic showing that males represent 92% of motorcycle accident fatalities should not lead people to assume that all motorcycle riders behave recklessly.
Helmet Laws and Compensation
Motorcyclists who died in 2022 without a helmet represent 54% in states without universal helmet laws but only 11% in states with helmet regulations.
Despite not wearing a helmet during an accident you still retain legal rights to compensation. Even if wearing no helmet reduces your damage compensation under comparative negligence laws some places use, you maintain your right to seek damages if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
How to Choose the Right Attorney
Motorcycle accident cases require specialized expertise and not every personal injury lawyer has this specific experience. Consider these factors when selecting a specialized motorcycle accident attorney.
Specific Motorcycle Experience
Look for an attorney who:
Possesses a history of successful resolutions in motorcycle accident cases
Understands motorcycle-specific laws and regulations
Has successfully secured fair settlements for riders
Trial Experience
Although most cases settle out of court you need an attorney who will take your case to trial if needed.
The attorney stands ready to proceed with trial proceedings when settlement discussions fail.
Has courtroom experience with motorcycle cases
Knows how to combat anti-motorcyclist bias
Compensation You Deserve
Motorcycle riders often fail to understand the complete range of compensation they are eligible to receive following an accident.
Economic Damages
These are the tangible, calculable costs:
Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses
The financial impact of motorcycle accidents can be significant when factoring in the serious injuries typically sustained and the likelihood of enduring healthcare requirements.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for non-monetary losses:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
The calculation of non-quantifiable damages proves difficult yet they frequently make up a major component of motorcycle accident settlements.
Riding Safely Forward
Motorcycle accidents represent serious incidents that can result in significant changes to one’s life. Data reveals that motorcyclists encounter greater dangers while driving compared to other road users.
Understanding typical motorcycle accident causes enables you to improve your defensive riding techniques. Motorcyclists face greater fatality risks during the summer period extending from June to August.
Remember:
Document everything after an accident
Seek immediate medical attention
Speak with a lawyer before engaging with insurance representatives.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve
The healing process following a motorcycle accident often takes a considerable amount of time. Your compensation chances improve significantly when you choose the right legal representative.
