Motorcycle Accidents

Speeding or negligent drivers, poorly designed highways, and lack of awareness about the rights of motorcyclists – these are just some of the reasons why motorcycles have such a high risk of accidents.

Motorcycling has grown rapidly in popularity in the United States over the past decade, as disposable incomes spiked, and  promotion of the motorcycling culture contributed to an increase in the number of motorcycles. However, the freedom of riding the highway on two wheels does come with its share of risk.

There are reasons why motorcyclists may be at a much higher risk from negligent motorists than from drunk or distracted drivers. Motorists need to be more attentive and look out for motorcyclists. A motorcycle has a much narrower frame, and therefore, it is easier for a motorist to miss spotting a motorcyclist. Many motorcyclists are hidden right behind the vehicle in a driver’s blind spots, so that the motorist never sees the motorcyclist until it is too late.

Motorcyclists can also be at a much higher risk of accident from certain traffic or weather conditions that may have a negligable impact on other vehicles. For instance, rainy or stormy weather conditions may make roads slippery and wet, increasing the risks of skidding.

Whatever the cause of the accident, a motorcyclist is at a much higher risk of suffering injuries in an accident, compared to the motorist involved. Wearing a helmet can somewhat limit the impact of injury, but a motorcyclist can never rely completely on his helmet to protect him from serious traumatic brain injury, and even death.