4 Unique Road Risks for Motorcycles
Motorcycle accidents aren’t as common as car or truck accidents. However, when they do occur, they are often more severe. In fact, according to one study, the occurrence of death is an estimated 35 times higher on a motorcycle than in a passenger vehicle.
Unfortunately, this is often due to a rider’s negligence in wearing the proper clothing such as a protective jacket or helmet.
The size of the motorcycle and the lack of protection exposes riders to road risks.
1. Road Hazards.
Small bumps and uneven roads usually have little effect on larger vehicles. However, on a motorcycle, they are significantly intensified. The driver can feel every crack, uneven surface, or bump, which often causes problems with control and stability.
2. Visibility.
Car drivers sometimes forget to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, which can cause accidents. If another car turns into a motorcycle, even at slow speeds, serious injuries can result.
3. Weather Effects.
While weather affects all drivers, a sudden storm can be debilitating for motorcyclist. Motorcycles take much more skill and balance to control than the average passenger car. If those skills are inhibited by rain or sleet, then serious accidents can follow.
4. Motorcycles and Other Vehicles
Motorcycle accidents that result in death often involve another vehicle 56% of the time. Usually, the car strikes the motorcycle from the front in a head-on collision. These head-on collisions are typically fatal.
Another type of crash between motorcycles and cars occur when the car makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. Roughly 42% of all accidents that involve a motorcycle and a car involve this type of accident. Often, the motorcyclist is trying to pass the car or is simply going straight through an intersection.
What is Negligence…Really?
Like car accident law, most motorcycle-accident cases involve negligence. Negligence is a legal term that basically means someone was acting carelessly or recklessly. Negligence on the road most often involves violating traffic laws in some way.
If one driver can prove that the other driver was acting negligently and that it caused the accident and damages involved, then they can likely recover damages. Damages in a motorcycle accident case may include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost companionship of a loved one (loss of consortium)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Decreased earning capacity
Proving negligence and damages in a motorcycle accident case can be difficult. Seek the advice of a top motorcycle accident attorney if you have been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle.
