Motorcycle Deaths on the Rise
I’m Ed Smith, a Rocklin personal injury lawyer. Did you know there were 13,714 motorcycles registered in Placer County in 2016, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles? With over 893,000 registered statewide, it’s obvious that motorcycles are a popular choice for transportation. While motorcycles are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, go to work and travel, safety while riding is a big consideration.
Trends in Motorcycle Accidents
Deaths from motorcycle crashes were reduced for almost 20 years starting in the 1980s. However, they began increasing again in 1998. In 2015, 4,893 motorcycle riders died in accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This showed an increase of 8 percent over 2014. Injuries from motorcycle accidents were recorded at about 88,000 that year. While it represented a decrease of 3 percent over 2014, it was reported that 40 percent of those injured were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
How Driver Behavior Contributes to Accidents
- Twenty-seven percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2015 were drunk driving with a BAC level of at least 0.08 percent as reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
- Thirty-three percent were found to be speeding at the time of their fatal accident. This is a much higher rate than drivers of motor vehicles (19 percent), light trucks (15 percent) or large trucks (7 percent).
- In 27 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents, the rider did not have a valid license. This compares to 13 percent among drivers of motor vehicles.
- Accident type: Motorcyclists riding super-sport models are four times more likely to be killed in an accident. Part of this reason may be that super-sport models can reach up to 190 mph.
Motorcycle Safety
Lowering the risk of a fatal accident or one that results in traumatic injuries may be aided in the following ways.
- Wear a helmet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that wearing a helmet lowers the risk of a fatal accident by 37 percent. Under California Vehicle Code Section 27803, all motorcycle riders and their passengers must wear a helmet.
- Use extra caution at intersections. Many motorcycle intersection accidents occur when motor vehicles turn in front of a motorcycle.
- Wear protective clothing. Besides wearing a helmet, protective pants, jacket, boots and gloves can lessen the severity of an accident.
- Take a safety course. It’s never too late to learn new safety skills.
- Ride a bike suited to your skills. Buying a bike that equals your skills in riding is a better idea.
- Perform regular maintenance on your bike. Bad tires or brakes and other maintenance problems contribute to accidents.
Motorcycle Injuries Caused by Accidents
Because motorcyclists lack the protection afforded by those in a motor vehicle, injuries can be significant. Traumatic injuries such as brain injury, trauma to the upper body, bone fractures and spinal cord damage are possible. Even lesser injuries can result in high medical costs, unpaid time away from work and a long recuperative period. When a negligent driver has been the cause of your motorcycle accident, a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Rocklin can help.
Rocklin Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rocklin personal injury lawyer. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by negligence, give me a call at (916) 921-6400 for courteous, free advice that is friendly. Outside the local area code, dial (800) 404-5400. Our online contact form is located on AutoAccident.com, the website I founded and own.
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Prior cases and their results are found on Settlements and Verdicts.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum for trial lawyers who have exhibited seven figure settlements or verdicts for clients.
As an experienced personal injury lawyer in Rocklin, it has been an honor for me to have represented those victimized by personal injuries. These include motorcycle and motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and wrongful deaths among others.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/motorcycle-road-speed-1827482/
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