Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle Collision

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle collision that was someone else’s fault, your best course of action is to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer without delay. You may be entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault party.

What Makes Motorcycles Riskier than Passenger Vehicles?

By design, motorcycles are less crashworthy than enclosed vehicles, as stated by the Insurance Information Institute (III). Riders are more vulnerable to road hazards and weather conditions. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other drivers. They are also considerably less stable than four-wheeled passenger vehicles.

How Many Riders Are Injured or Killed in Motorcycle Crashes?

As stated by the National Safety Council (NSC):

  • Although only 3% of all registered vehicles are motorcycles, and they made up only 0.6% of vehicle miles traveled, motorcycles accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. 
  • From 2020 to 2021, motorcycle fatalities increased by 8%.
  • Deaths from motorcycle accidents have increased by 19% in the past 10 years.
  • 5,932 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2021. 
  • Nonfatal motorcycle accident injuries increased by 5% from 2020 to 2021.

III reports that 82,686 motorcycle accident injuries occurred in the U.S. in 2021, at the rate of 837 injuries per 100,000 registered motorcycles. The occupant fatality rate for motorcycles is 30.20 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, as compared to 1.25 for passenger cars and 0.76 for light trucks.

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In What Circumstances Are Motorcycle Crashes More Likely to Occur?

NSC has compiled some highlights regarding motorcycle fatality trends in 2021. Of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes, 72% were NOT alcohol-impaired. Fatal motorcycle accidents throughout the country occurred under the following circumstances:

  • 67% on urban roads
  • 50% in the nighttime
  • 83% in good weather
  • 59% when riders were wearing helmets
  • 53% in collisions involving two vehicles

What Types of Injuries Can Motorcycle Accidents Cause?

Motorcyclists do not have airbags, seatbelts, or the frame of a vehicle with crumple zones to protect them. In a collision, a rider can be ejected from the bike and thrown forcefully onto the ground or an object. Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe. They may include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Neck injuries
  • Contusions of the upper and lower limbs
  • Head trauma and brain injury
  • Spinal injuries
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Road rash
  • Rider’s arm (nerve damage caused by the bike landing on an arm)
  • Facial fractures and lacerations
  • Amputation

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What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?

Many motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers fail to detect or recognize motorcycles in traffic. Common causes include:

Negligent Left Turns:

Drivers executing left turns at intersections turn directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. They may be distracted or fail to register the motorcycle in the roadway.

Unsafe Lane Changes:

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles. It is important to carefully check blind spots before switching lanes. Drivers who fail to do so can crash into motorcycles in adjacent lanes.

Tailgating:

Following too closely is risky driving behavior under any circumstances and is particularly dangerous when a passenger vehicle is tailgating a motorcycle. A rider hit from behind can be ejected from the bike and thrown into traffic.

Speeding:

The faster a vehicle travels, the more time and distance it takes to stop to avoid hitting a motorcycle, and the greater the impact of the collision. 

Failure to Yield the Right of Way:

Drivers who fail to yield to riders and cut motorcycles off can cause serious injuries. 

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

After a serious motorcycle crash caused by the negligence of another, your best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve is to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer handling your claim. Contact McCraw Law Group for skilled legal representation. We have more than 20 years of experience and a reputation for excellence. Our compassionate legal team does not just see cases – we see people in need. We strive for the best possible outcomes in terms of financial compensation and ensuring holistic recovery for our clients. 

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Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

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