Being involved in any type of accident can be traumatic, however those who find themselves victims of motorcycle accidents will most often end up with more severe injuries as well as a unique set of circumstances not experienced by those in auto accidents. Not only will the injured motorcyclist suffer, his or her family members are often victims as well. Because a motorcyclist has virtually no protection from a three thousand pound steel and glass auto other than a helmet and possibly protective clothing, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.
Between 4000 and 5000 motorcyclists lose their lives each year in collisions with automobiles with another 100,000 plus being severely injured. While motorcycle helmets definitely save lives only a little more than half of all motorcyclists actually wear a helmet when they ride. In fact, helmets are estimated to be 38 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists, yet many states have dropped their helmet laws, making the wearing of a motorcycle helmet voluntary rather than mandatory.
Factors in Motorcycle Accidents
There are a variety of factors involved in motorcycle accidents however first and foremost is the issue of reduced visibility. Auto drivers are notoriously lax in spotting motorcycles which leads to an increase in accidents. Motorcycles are simply smaller visual targets and much more likely to be obscured by other vehicles as well as road and weather conditions. The number one area in which motorcyclists are hit by automobiles is in intersections as the driver of a car makes a left hand turn either not seeing the oncoming motorcyclist or misjudging the speed of the motorcycle. Approximately seventy percent of motorcycle and automobile collisions occur in intersections. Drivers also fail to see motorcycles traveling in the next lane and will suddenly change lanes, sideswiping the motorcyclist.
Many times drivers also fail to see motorcyclists as they back from their driveway or parking space. Drivers also will open their doors into traffic causing the motorcyclist to either collide with the door or swerve dangerously in an attempt to miss it. Road hazards which a full-sized car may have no real trouble with can lead to a serious motorcycle accident. Pavement height changes which occur when the roads are being resurfaced or potholes which have not been repaired can cause serious issues for a motorcyclist. Inclement weather can also lead to motorcycle collisions particularly when fog or rain lessens the motorcyclist’s visibility even more than it normally is.
Statute of Limitations and Jury Bias
Depending on the state where the motorcycle accident occurred, the statute of limitations can be a significant factor in a motorcycle accident. Should the motorcyclist miss that window of opportunity, they will be barred from ever receiving compensation for their injuries and damages. In many states the statute of limitations in two years, but in some states it can be even less. State insurance laws can be significantly different from motorcycles to automobiles, so those involved in a motorcycle accident must consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in order to receive equitable compensation for the negligence of another.
Finally, the motorcycle itself can become a factor in recovering compensation when a collision occurs. Unfortunately many jurors and even police officers have a bias against motorcycle riders, believing they are risk-takers and drive at excessive speeds. In reality, a large percentage of today’s motorcyclists are over fifty and ride their motorcycles with the same caution they exercise when driving an automobile. It is very important that you meet with a skilled motorcycle accident in order to have your potential claim evaluated following a motorcycle accident.