Motorcycle Accident Report
People rely on many different modes of transportation to get from place to place. Whether going to work, attending school, or running errands around town, everyone needs to get from place to place safely. While many people rely on cars to do this, some choose to ride motorcycles. Bikes are standard whether it is a comfort issue, a cost issue, or simply a personal preference. Unfortunately, the same is valid for motorcycle accidents. Furthermore, these collisions are more common than many people might think. According to statistics that have been published by the Insurance Information Institute (III):
- In 2016, more than 5,000 individuals were killed in motorcycle accidents.
- This fatality rate is more than 60 out of every 100,000 registered riders.
- This rate is significantly higher than that of standard motor vehicles.
- For every 100 million miles traveled by motorcycle, about 25 people were killed.
- This rate is also higher than that of cars.
These statistics show that motorcycles are dangerous, and it is essential to understand why these accidents occur. Like car accidents, motorcycle accidents can potentially leave people with severe injuries and even death. While more research is needed into the diagnosis and treatment of motorcycle injuries, it is just as necessary to address ways to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place.
Safety Concerns: Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents can happen when people least expect them, and the severity of traumatic injuries sustained in auto accidents can be severe. Unfortunately, the traumatic injuries stemming from motorcycle accidents are often far worse. There are several common reasons for this which include:
- The rider of a motorcycle is not protected by a metal frame, so there is no barrier between the individual and the pavement.
- Because a motorcycle only has two wheels instead of four, losing control is more accessible.
- Without a windshield to separate the rider from the elements, individuals are more often impacted by the weather.
- Motorcycles have a thinner silhouette, making them harder to see, especially during poor visibility.
These are only a few reasons motorcycles might be involved in an accident. It is essential to study motorcycle collisions and why they happen so that measures can be taken to avoid them in the first place. This was the goal of a major study called the MAIDS Report that was recently published.
An Overview: The MAIDS Report
The MAIDS (Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study) Report was one of the most extensive studies ever published regarding motorcycle accidents. The study contains a lot of research jargon; however, it is worth looking at the findings because the recommendations are essential for any motorcycle rider. Over two years, the researchers analyzed accidents that involved two-wheeled vehicles. The researchers looked at nearly a thousand collisions that took place all over the world and:
- Examined the records relating to each individual accident.
- Spoke with the people involved in the collisions.
- Look at the vehicles involved in each accident if they were still available.
- Collected information on the injuries of the individuals involved in these collisions from their medical records.
Through their hard work, the researchers drew conclusions regarding motorcycle accidents from their data by following standard protocols established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation of Development. This organization sets the standards for studies involving motorcycle accidents to establish consistent data collection. This allows significant conclusions to be drawn across multiple studies because the same techniques are used.
Finally, the researchers collected data on almost a thousand other motorcycle riders who were not involved in a collision. This group functioned as the comparison group to which the abovementioned collisions were compared. This allowed the researchers to ask, “Why did these individuals crash while others did not?”
In many situations, some measures can be taken proactively to avoid motorcycle accidents. Some of the pre-accident exposures and risk factors that increase the chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident include:
- Most threats to motorcycle accidents (including environmental factors and traffic issues) come from the front.
- Those who ride a motorcycle without a valid license are significantly more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Riders who use a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol are at a greater risk of suffering an accident.
These statistics show that those who take the time to earn a valid license, remain aware of their surroundings, and not drive under the influence are less likely to suffer a motorcycle accident.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
When accidents do occur, it is essential to understand why. Some of the findings of the MAIDS Report regarding motorcycle accident causation include:
- Most motorcycle crashes occur due to human error, the primary factor in over a third of accidents.
- In about half of the accidents, the other vehicle’s driver was deemed to have been at fault.
- Most single-vehicle motorcycle crashes were due to errors on the part of the rider.
- In two-vehicle collisions, the most common factor involved was that the other vehicle’s driver failed to see the motorcycle.
- Traffic violations and weather were other common causes.
- Vehicle defects, which were mostly tire failures, were mainly minor factors.
This information demonstrates just how crucial it is for motorcycle riders to take measures to increase their visibility. This includes wearing brightly colored clothing and using all signals and lights appropriately. Furthermore, drivers of other vehicles need to remain constantly aware of motorcycle riders. If other drivers do not see the motorcycle, accidents are more likely.
Crashes and Injuries
During the collision, the researchers made important observations that every rider should note. Some of these include:
- Motorcycle riders most frequently struck either the pavement or the other vehicle.
- When riders strike a roadside barrier, the injuries are often more severe, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.
- In the vast majority of cases, the speed on impact was under 30 miles per hour.
- While most riders wore a helmet, it came off in about 10 percent of these accidents.
These statistics show that it is crucial to not only wear a helmet but also to make sure that it is properly fastened.
Watch YouTube Video: How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents? The video below discusses more common motorcycle accidents and the statistics regarding them.
Contacting Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Too often, motorcycle accidents occur when people least expect a collision. Because of this, accidents involving motorcycles can place families under extreme stress. Loved ones could be worried about whether or not their family member will fully recover. There could be issues related to finances, such as medical bills and insurance coverage of property damage, that might be confusing. During tough times, families need to ask for help. This is where meeting with an injury attorney can be helpful. An injury lawyer can provide assistance by:
- Helping families make objective decisions during stressful times.
- Review the records from a collision to ensure the liability has been appropriately assigned.
- Contacting professional accident recreationists to analyze the mechanism of a collision.
- Assist families in receiving financial payouts from insurance companies.
- Helping families pursue damages they might be owed due to injuries, pain, and emotional suffering.
Families should never feel bad about asking for help during their time of need. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced injury attorney in Sacramento. You and your family members might be entitled to a financial reward.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento. Motorcycle accidents are always dangerous, and everyone should take note of the vital research regarding collisions. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered severe injuries, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Image Attribution: Photo by christels on Pixabay/ The MAIDS Report on Motorcycle Accidents.
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