Motorcycle accidents tend to fall into a different category, but there are a few similarities with car accidents. However, there are many more risks involved in a motorcycle accident, including greater causes of potential accidents, injuries and liability issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that 13 out of every 100,000 cars are involved in a fatal accident, compared to 72 out of 100,000 motorcycles. When you look into a motorcycle accident, it is worse than a car accident since the rider has less protection as there is no physical barrier between the rider and the pavement.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of combined experience when it comes to managing car accidents and motorcycle accidents across the state of Florida. Our law firm is skilled at helping people to handle the trauma of accidents, and we know that we can help you too.
If you are wondering how car accidents compare to motorcycle accidents, then you should get in contact with our law firm now. We have an in-depth understanding of traffic law, and we can answer all of your questions. The phone lines to our office are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
Car Accidents vs. Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are usually more catastrophic due to the fact that they only have two wheels, no airbags or seatbelts, and they are much smaller than other motor vehicles. In addition, a motorcycle lacks the protection of being shielded and enclosed by metal doors. The other serious risks of motorcycles include limited visibility to other drivers, less stability, and encountering road hazards like rocks, mud, and debris. Motorcycle accidents are much more difficult to manage compared to car accidents for a number of reasons, including:
- Motorcyclists usually suffer more serious and permanent injuries as a result of their vulnerable nature.
- Motorcyclists will most likely require long-term financial support to cover medical care after a spinal cord injury or a brain injury.
- People who suffered a motorcycle accident will usually face extra challenges in court from jurors who view riders as risky or reckless.
- People who suffered a motorcycle accident will require additional compensation for medical bills and long-term lost wages.
- In most cases, a motorcycle accident can result in the wrongful death of the rider and their passengers.
For a free legal consultation, call 941-444-4444
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There are a number of statistics and studies involving motorcycle accidents that have proven:
- Death as a result of a motorcycle accident is usually 30 times higher than a fatality in a car accident.
- A motorcycle rider over the age of 40 is usually 20 times more likely to get injured in an accident compared to drivers of cars who are the same age.
- A motorcycle rider under the age of 30 is usually 36 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury in an accident compared to drivers of cars who are the same age.
- A motorcycle accident will result in either injury or death 8 percent of the time, while a car accident will result in either injury or death 20 percent of the time.
- A motorcycle represents 2 percent of registered motor vehicles and 5 percent of highway fatalities.
Car Accident Statistics
There are a number of statistics and studies involving car accidents that have proven:
- The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) states that an average driver will be involved in a motor vehicle accident every 6 years and that a driver will get close to an accident once or twice a month.
- In the year 2005, there were 39,189 motor vehicle fatalities throughout the nation, including 27,472 drivers and 10,036 passengers that suffered a fatal injury.
- The National Safety Council states that over 12 million motor vehicle accidents happen every year, involving 20 million motor vehicles.
- Statistics prove that over 2 million car accidents result in disabling injuries every year.
- Studies have shown that close to 75 percent of people who have suffered an injury in a car accident will still have symptoms for over 6 months after the crash.
- A study by the National Highway Traffic Administration stated that up to 28 percent of people in motor vehicle accidents would suffer a minor to moderate injury, and close to 6 percent of people in motor vehicle accidents will suffer a severe or fatal injury.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Common Causes of Car Accidents
More than 11 million car accidents happen every year in the United States. The causes of car accidents fall into two main categories: it usually comes down to driver error or other causes such as road conditions, weather conditions, health emergencies, and brake or tire failure.
The most common causes of car accidents tend to include:
- Distracted driving – The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that 25% of car accidents are related to drivers using a mobile phone.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and speeding – Drunk driving and speeding are associated with half of all car accidents.
- Aggressive driving – Behaviors of aggressive driving include failure to yield, weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signals.
- Driver fatigue – 2.5% and 3.0% of fatalities in traffic are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel and driver fatigue in the United States.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents tend to include:
- A car making a left turn – A motorcyclist usually faces the danger of an accident when a car makes a left-hand turn. It is dangerous for a motorcycle because they might get hit while traveling straight through an intersection, trying to overtake a car, or trying to pass a motor vehicle.
- Lane splitting – It is not legal in every state to lane split because it is usually a serious factor in motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle traveling between two lanes is at a high risk of getting involved in an accident as a result of close proximity to other motor vehicles, a reduced space to maneuver, and a driver of a car who cannot anticipate a motorcycle passing them in slow or stopped the flow of traffic.
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs and speeding – Almost half of all motorcycle accidents are caused by speeding or consuming alcohol.
- Collision with a fixed object – A motorcycle that hits a fixed object makes up one-quarter of motorcyclist deaths, but only 18% of car accident-related fatalities.
- Road hazards – A motorcycle is smaller and less stable than a car, which means that a pothole, uneven lane heights, slick roads, and other hazards have a greater threat to them.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Injuries caused in a motorcycle accident are more serious due to the exposed nature of a rider. The most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Cuts.
- Burns.
- Road rash.
- Fractured bones, particularly collar bones and pelvises.
- Tissue damage.
- Facial disfigurement.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
Any type of injury can lead to serious complications such as blood loss, paralysis, or even permanent disability, along with the possibility of death. The seriousness of an injury will change depending on a number of reasons like the fact that a motorcyclist is more exposed to the pavement, they do not have the protection of airbags, and they are not legally required to wear a helmet for protection in the event that the rider is over the age of 21.
Motorcycle Accident Safety Tips
Car accidents and motorcycle accidents happen every day. However, there are certain measures that every driver or rider can take to help reduce injuries and fatalities. A motorcycle is smaller than other types of motor vehicles on the road, which means that they are not seen by other drivers until it is too late to avoid an accident. That is why a rider should try to wear bright colors or leathers along with always wearing a helmet for protection.
A number of tips and methods for staying safe on the road includes:
- Wear a helmet – You should always wear a helmet that fits right because it will protect your head and avoid the possibility of sustaining a serious head injury in an accident.
- Have the right gear – There is leather and other armored or specialized motorcycle gear that will protect you from sliding across asphalt or other road hazards, including small rocks and cigarette butts. It is always a good idea to wear motorcycle boots to protect your feet in the event that an accident happens. Reflective materials and bright colors will help to increase visibility to other road users.
- Riding at your level – You should always ride a motorcycle within your skill level and do not attempt to weave in and out of traffic or travel at high speeds.
- Leave enough space – A motorcycle takes less space to stop and maneuver, but they still require room to move around. It is important to practice stopping in a safe space and leave a generous distance between the motorcycle and the motor vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid distractions – Driving while distracted is highly dangerous when riding a motorcycle, and the potential of causing an accident is higher.
- Look twice – It is never safe to assume that another driver can see you. You should ride defensively and take responsibility for traveling safely around other road users.
- Watch the weather – A motorcycle is not as stable as a car, and it only has two wheels, which means that riding in the rain is much riskier. In addition, a motorcycle does not have windshield wipers, which means that visibility is compromised.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you or someone you love were involved in a car accident or motorcycle accident, then you should seek legal counsel with a Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You deserve compensation for the injuries and damages that you sustained, regardless of the accident.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of collective experience and knowledge in helping families to get through difficult times following an accident throughout the State of Florida. Our law firm will work hard to investigate your accident and do what needs to be done in order to recover the compensation that you are owed.
Call our office to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney now. Our phone lines are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
Call or text 941-444-4444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
