Important Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The majority of motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle.

All motor accidents have the potential to be serious, but with motorcycle accidents this potential is even greater. The truth is that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a deadly accident than passenger cars. About 11 percent of vehicle accidents over the course of a year involve motorcycles. Wearing a helmet does offer some protection from fatality in the event of an accident. Head injury is the leading cause of death with motorcycle accidents, and those motorcyclists who choose not to wear helmets are 40 percent more likely to die from a serious head injury. In 2010 about 4,300 motorcyclists died in crashes. Fifty-five percent of these 2010 motorcycle deaths involved multiple vehicles. Motorcycles with larger engines are likelier to be involved in accidents.

About 42 percent of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle turning left while the motorcyclist is going straight or passing the other driver. The majority of motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle. Less than half are just the motorcycle and no other vehicles.

Some common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

• A motorcyclist driving between lanes – lane splitting

• Drivers who are operating vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Drivers ignoring traffic signs

• Drivers who do not see motorcycles

• Not properly using turn signals

• Weather conditions

• Driving on the wrong side of the road

• Speeding

• Vehicle defects

• Roadway obstructions

• Roads that are heavily trafficked

Wearing a helmet decreases your risk of serious head injury and the risk of a fatality. Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, and for many that is part of the appeal, but safety should still be a number one concern. Minimizing risk by following the rules of the road, carefully observing other drivers, never driving under the influence, and always wearing a helmet do help to mitigate risk. However, while you can be as safe as possible, you cannot predict the actions of other drivers. Even if you are being safe, accidents can still occur and it is best to have a plan of action.

After a Motorcycle Accident

When it is possible you should follow this course of action. If you are seriously injured and must go to the hospital it is all the more important that you discuss your case with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you get a chance.

• Remain at the scene of the accident (unless you are seriously injured and need to be transported to the hospital).

• Call the police and file a police report as soon as they arrive.

• Seek medical treatment. You should get checked out even if you seem to be uninjured. You do not want to risk undiagnosed head injury.

• Collect the personal information, license number, and insurance information of the other driver

• Talk to witnesses and get their contact information.

• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you experience a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney right away. With an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you have a much greater chance of getting the compensation that you deserve after an accident. Contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 for a free and private consultation.