Minnesota motorcyclists are often dedicated to the experience afforded by the freedom of riding unencumbered on the road. Unfortunately, those who ride on motorcycles are much more likely to suffer serious personal injuries or to be killed in the event they are involved in a collision with another vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2013 saw 4,668 fatalities and 88,000 motorcyclist injuries nationwide. The fatality numbers demonstrate a troubling statistic. Motorcyclists were 26 times more likely to die in accidents than were other types of vehicle riders.
In many cases, other motorists fail to see the motorcyclist, pulling out in front of them despite the fact that the motorcyclist had the right of way. That violation of the cyclist’s right of way accounts for two-thirds of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclist deaths have almost doubled since 1999, in contrast to the falling rates of deaths for other vehicle occupants. The problems associated with other drivers failing to recognize motorcyclists around them are especially exacerbated at intersections, where 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle accidents happen. Other factors contributing to motorcycle collisions include wobble at high speeds, road hazards and motorcycle rider inexperience.
Accidents pose grave dangers to motorcyclists. Riders are not afforded the same protection provided by the cage of a vehicle. Even a motorcyclist who wears a helmet still risks suffering catastrophic injury or dying in the event a collision occurs. Motorists should always remain vigilant about the traffic and other cars and vehicles around them. Motorists should be especially aware of motorcyclists. They are more difficult to see since they are smaller. When a cyclist is injured by a motorist’s failure to remain aware, the victim may be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: Insurance Information Institute , “Motorcycle Crashes”, accessed on Jan. 17, 2015