A substantial number of motorcyclists suffer injuries in crashes each year. However, there is no simple way to identify what percentage of motorcycle riders get into accidents. This is due in part to the fact that many accidents go unreported. Minor accidents may not get called into the police, for example.
However, there are some useful statistics that can be used to determine the percentage of motorcyclists injured while riding. What is ultimately important is that riders that suffer injuries through no fault of their own typically have the opportunity to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party. Specific laws governing when and how motorcyclists may file personal injury claims will vary from state to state, however.
The Rate of Injury Accidents Among Motorcyclists
The statistics compiled by the Insurance Information Institute (III) provide a good estimate of how prevalent motorcycle accidents could be. According to the III, there were approximately 89,000 motorcycle accidents with injuries in 2017. This represented a notable drop from 104,000 in the previous year. In 2017, there were 8,715,204 motorcycles registered in the United States.
If every registered motorcycle had a unique owner and no rider was injured more than once that year, it would mean roughly one percent of all motorcyclists were injured in a crash. Due to the fact that many accidents may not be reported, it is safe to assume then that even more than one percent of all motorcyclists are involved in a crash. However, there may be many motorcycle accidents that never result in an insurance claim.
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Factors That Can Cause a Crash
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that motorcycles are, by design, less stable than other motor vehicles. Given the vulnerability of motorcycle users riding without the protection of a surrounding cage like that of a car, motorcyclists can easily face serious injuries in the event of an accident.
There are a number of factors that can lead to a motorcycle crash. Primarily, accidents happen due to driver error. This can be true of both the injured rider or another motorist involved in the crash. Some of the factors that Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers say are common among motorcycle accidents include:
Turning Across Traffic
One of the most common circumstances that can lead to a motorcycle accident is a driver turning left across traffic. Left turns routinely lead to accidents among all motor vehicles. They are more likely to cause a motorcycle crash due to the limited visibility that comes with riding a bike, however.
Failure to Notice Motorcyclists
Drivers have an obligation to remain aware of the other motorists they share the roads with. Drivers may fail to keep track of motorcyclists in their blind spots. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents involves a motorist changing lanes without noticing the rider in the lane next to them.
Aggressive Driving
Both motorists and motorcyclists alike can cause a crash when they drive aggressively. Aggressive driving involves a series of dangerous or reckless maneuvers when behind the wheel. Most of the time, aggressive driving involves traveling at an unsafe speed. It can also involve drivers that change lanes aggressively or follow other drivers too closely.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is one of the causes of vehicle accidents that is unique to motorcycle riders. Lane splitting occurs when a rider travels between two lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. This maneuver is illegal in many jurisdictions and can increase the chances of a crash when lane splitters drive at high speed.
Weather Conditions
Like with any other motor vehicle collision, weather can play a major role in a motorcycle crash. Slick roads due to accumulated snow, water, or ice are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
Heavy Traffic
As traffic gets heavier, the chances of a driver failing to notice the presence of a motorcycle increases. Heavy traffic often combines with lane splitting to result in serious accidents.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident with an Attorney
If you own a motorcycle, it is understandable if you wonder what percentage of motorcycle riders get into accidents. The reality is that an accident is always a possibility every time you ride.
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to a monetary award. The attorneys of the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can review your case and advise you on your right to pursue a negligence claim. At Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., Randy is the Lawyer Who Rides. You can work with someone who understands and can help you proceed after a motorcycle accident.
To learn more, call (317) 743-7971 to schedule a free consultation with the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible.
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