What Percent of Motorcycle Accidents Results in Injury or Death?

The call of the open road is undeniable. America’s passion for motorcycles is on the rise – more than 500,000 motorcycles were sold last year in the U.S. alone, bringing the number of bikes on the road to approximately 8.4 million. As thrilling as it may be, biking can also be a risky proposition. No matter how safe or experienced you are as a rider, you can’t control the conditions or other drivers you encounter on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.

Death and Injury Rates for Motorcyclists are High

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of riders lose their lives in motorcycle crashes every year. For every mile traveled, a motorcyclist is more than 26 times more likely to die in a crash than the occupant of a passenger car, and five times as likely to sustain injury. A staggering 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death; the same is true for only 20% of car crashes.

Data published by the Insurance Information Institute shows that 4,586 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2014, while 92,000 were injured.

These alarming numbers highlight the need for motorcycle safety. Wearing a helmet is just one way to reduce your chance for injury. Head trauma is the leading cause of serious injury or death in motorcycle accidents. NHTSA research shows that helmets cause a 29% reduction in fatalities and a 67% reduction in serious brain injuries.

Other factors play a huge role in motorcycle injury and fatality rates, including:

  • Speeding – NHTSA statistics for 2013 show that 34% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were driving above the speed limit.
  • Alcohol – According to the NHTSA, in 2014, 29% of bikers involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration at or above of 0.08, the legal threshold for drunk driving in the U.S.
  • No valid license – In 2013, 25% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes lacked a valid license.
  • Bike type – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that riders of “super sports” motorcycles, which are light-weight bikes built for racing, were four times more likely to die in fatal crashes than riders of other bikes.

All that said, in many accidents, it is the other driver who is at fault for causing the accident by failing to notice the motorcyclist and/or give them proper space on the road to maneuver safely. Even if the motorcyclist was partially at fault in causing the accident, he or she may be able to recover against a driver who was also at fault in causing the accident.

How an Experienced Motorcycle Attorney Can Help

Victims of motorcycle accidents have options. Negotiating with insurance companies and collecting for your injuries can be complicated. Enlisting the help of an experienced attorney will remove the stress and confusion from the process and ensure that you get the best possible recovery available.

The main goal of insurance companies is to convince you to settle fast for the least money possible. In many cases, a quick settlement is not in your best interest, and a personal injury lawsuit is the only way to protect your rights. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will aggressively seek the maximum recovery for you and help you determine the best course of action in your particular situation.

Collecting fair compensation for your injuries after a motorcycle accident can be a challenge, and you shouldn’t attempt to go it alone. At the Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel, we’re dedicated to protecting your interests every step of the way. Call today for a consultation.

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