motorcycle crashes

Motorcycles are much less visible to other drivers on the road than a car or a truck. They can be easily missed by a driver due to blind spots, negligence, carelessness or inattention. There are other factors that can cause a bike wreck as well, such as unsafe road conditions, improper maintenance of roads and defective motorcycle design.

When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle on the road, the rider is at a very high risk for serious injury or death. From 1998-2006, the number of motorcycle crash fatalities has steadily risen. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 4,810 motorcycle riders died on American roadways in 2006 - an increase of 5.1% over 2005. Approximately 88,000 motorcyclists were injured – an increase of 1.1% over 2005. As of 2006, motorbike riders account for 11% of total vehicle fatalities, “exceeding the number of pedestrian fatalities for the first time since the NHTSA began collecting fatal motor vehicle crash data in 1975”.

Motorcycles are quickly becoming a popular choice of transportation for older and more affluent riders. In 2006, 1,158,000 two-wheel vehicles were sold. This is the largest volume in 30 years. In 1990, there were 30,000 registered motorcycles on our roadways, as compared with 6.2 million motorbikes on the road in 2005. More motorcycles on the road mean more accidents involving them, and more deaths and injuries.

If a collision occurs between a motorcycle and a car or truck, the rider is 34 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash, according to 2005 statistics, and 8 times more likely to be injured than automobile occupants. Unfortunately, the injuries suffered by motorcyclists can be catastrophic, such as quadriplegia and traumatic brain injury. Most motorbike injuries involve the extremities and the spinal cord, while the majority of fatalities are a result of head injuries.

In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle riders injured in accidents suffer financial losses, including income is lost from time off work; property damage; medical expenses; and the emotional and mental suffering is immeasurable. When a motorcycle rider is injured or killed as the result of the error or negligence of another driver, bike defect, or improperly maintained roads, the rider or his family deserves to be compensated for their damages and loss.

Accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities may be the result of another driver. Fatal motorcycle crashes may be caused by a careless motorist who does not see the motorcycle, does not share the lane and slides into the motorcycle, turns directly in front of the motorbike, runs a traffic signal or stop sign, or follows the bike too closely and runs into the back of the bike.

If there was defect in the bike that caused the accident, the rider may be able to collect damages if the following can be proven:

  • The motorcycle or parts of the bike were defective.
  • The defect existed prior to the manufacturer releasing the motorbike.
  • The defect caused injury or damage.

If the accident was due to unsafe or improperly maintained roads, the motorcyclist may be able to recover damages from the government. If it can be proven that the local, state or federal government was negligent by failing to warn of a dangerous road condition that resulted in a crash and injuries, the motorcycle rider may have grounds to collect damages.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, remember to gather the necessary information at the scene which will help you if you later decide to file a lawsuit. You should obtain the other driver's name, address, insurance information and license number, in addition to the names and addresses of any witnesses at the scene. You should take photographs of any hazardous road conditions or defects. Make sure you call the police and your insurance company immediately following the wreck. You should also consider hiring a motorbike accident attorney who will understand your situation and has the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Please review our state by state listing of motorcycle accident lawyers and contact a motorbike wreck attorney today.

For more information on motorcycle crashes, please visit our Motorcycle Crashes Frequently Asked Questions page.

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