There is no exact percentage of motorcycle riders who get into accidents each year. However, available traffic data show that motorcyclists face significant risks on the road. Your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident are much higher than your odds of getting into a car accident.
Motorcycles account for only 0.6% of all motor vehicle miles traveled in the United States, yet they account for 3.6% of all traffic injuries and 16.2% of traffic fatalities. These statistics illustrate the disproportionate risks motorcyclists face on U.S. roads.
Why Are Motorcycles So Dangerous?
Motorcyclists face risks that are different from those faced by drivers and passengers in other vehicles. A crash that might cause relatively minor damage to a car can have much more serious consequences for an exposed rider.
Several factors contribute to their increased risk, including:
- Smaller size and reduced visibility
- Lack of seat belts, airbags, and an enclosed frame
- Less stability than four-wheeled vehicles
- Greater vulnerability to potholes, debris, and wet roads
- Increased exposure during a collision
These factors can increase the likelihood of serious injuries when a motorcycle crash occurs.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars, trucks, and SUVs. Other motor vehicle drivers often have a hard time seeing motorcycles, especially if they are distracted in any way.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Left-turning vehicles
- Intersection collisions
- Speeding
- Drug or alcohol use
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor visibility
- Inexperienced riders
If someone else was at fault for your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles are no match for a motor vehicle when they get into an accident. This is why so many riders suffer serious injuries as a result.
Some of the most common types of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe road rash
- Facial injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Wrongful death
Even with the best safety equipment, riders are still likely to suffer injuries during an accident. This is because motorcycles lack most typical safety equipment, like airbags, seat belts, and other features that are present in most motor vehicles.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. If someone else was at fault, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. This includes compensation for both your financial losses and your physical and emotional pain.
Some common examples include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
To win your case, you will need to prove the other party’s negligence. This means that you must show that their careless actions were the direct cause of your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case to maximize the value of your claim.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take immediately following your accident can have a big impact on your personal injury claim. Knowing what to do can help protect your health and your ability to recover compensation.
After a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Call the police to report the crash
- Take photos of your motorcycle and all other vehicles
- Get names and contact information from any witnesses
- Seek immediate medical care for any injuries, even if those injuries seem minor
- Save all accident-related documentation and evidence, like medical records and receipts
- Get help from a personal injury lawyer who can assist with your claim
Taking these steps can help document what happened and preserve important evidence for your claim.
Contact Hendy Johnson Vaughn Today To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Louisville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There is no exact percentage of motorcycle riders who get into accidents each year. However, traffic data show that motorcyclists face disproportionate risks, including a greater risk of serious injury or death when crashes occur.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Kentucky, contact Hendy Johnson Vaughn today to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer. Let us help you pursue maximum compensation for all your injuries and damages.
We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(859) 578-4444
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444