Motorcycle accidents are almost always extremely violent events, especially for the motorcyclist. Whether it is a one-vehicle accident where the motorcyclist makes a driver error – a common occurrence – or a collision with another vehicle or vehicles, motorcycle accidents always expose the rider and any passengers to the possibility of severe harm, or even death. More than 80 percent of the time, motorcycle accidents result in the death of the motorcyclist, or injuries to the motorcyclist. Because motorcycles provide their riders with essentially no protection, riders are almost always ejected, where they can strike other objects or the ground, or dragged along with the motorcycle, a process somewhat akin to a meat grinder.
Motorcycle Accidents Occur at a Higher Rate Than Passenger Vehicle AccidentsBecause motorcycles are smaller and have less of a profile than passenger vehicles, other drivers frequently fail to take full notice of their presence. Also, because they are two-wheelers, they are less stable than vehicles with four or more wheels. This makes motorcycle riders far more likely to be injured or killed in an accident. Federal statistics show that in 2015, there were 29 times as many motorcycle fatalities per vehicle mile travelled as fatalities in passenger vehicles. Use of a properly designed helmet can prevent many of those fatalities, preventing about 37 percent of deaths and showing 67 percent effectiveness at preventing brain injuries.
What are the Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?Federal statistics provide surprising answers regarding the most common non-fatal injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. While head injuries are the most common cause of deaths in motorcycle accidents, they don’t top the list of most common non-fatal injuries. The top three injuries are:
Those findings were largely duplicated in a seven-year study by the Centers for Disease Control, which looked a more than 1.2 million people treated for injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents from 2001 to 2008. That study found that 30 percent of all non-fatal injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents were to the legs and feet. The second-most common injuries were to the head or neck, comprising 22 percent of all non-fatal injuries. The third-most common non-fatal injuries were to the “upper trunk,” which consisted of the chest, shoulder and back, followed by injuries to the arms and hands. Rounding out the top five most common injuries were wounds to the lower trunk, the hips and pelvis.
Most motorcycle accidents result in the rider losing control of the motorcycle, often after colliding with another vehicle, but also in one-vehicle accidents, such as losing control going through a corner. Because of this, the rider is no longer able to avoid obstacles, including other vehicles, trees, signs, fences, street light posts, and the like. The rider may be ejected from the bike, or slide along the ground with the bike. This can lead to all sorts of possible injuries, including:
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperience or unfamiliarity with the limitations on operating a motorcycle as opposed to driving a car. Consequently, many riders, especially newer riders, fail to exercise the kind of vigilance and care required to safely operate a motorcycle. For instance, about a third of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen at intersections when another vehicle turns in front of the motorcycle. Motorcyclists have to be extra-vigilant for situations such as this. They also need to be more careful during inclement weather, as motorcycles are more difficult to handle on wet surfaces than cars generally are. There are other steps motorcyclists can take to reduce injuries, including:
No matter what precautions you take, you still can be injured in an accident while riding your motorcycle. In that event, you should contact an attorney versed in motorcycle accidents.
Contact an Atlanta Accident AttorneyIf you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with an attorney to review options you might have for recovering damages. Contact the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd for a free consultation to discuss your case by calling (404) 255-6677. Our attorneys serve the entire state of Georgia, including Smyrna, Decatur, and Marietta. You also can reach us through our online contact form.