With a 99% win percentage, Michael A. Shammas has secured millions in damages for his clients. As a motorcycle accident attorney, it’s his goal to help victims take control of their lives following a crash. Motorcyclists are at high risk of sustaining serious injuries in traffic accidents. Collisions with other vehicles on the road can leave riders temporarily or permanently disabled. In addition to injuries, victims face financial strain due to costly medical treatments and time away from work.
For an experienced personal injury lawyer, contact Michael A. Shammas at 312-971-5959 to recover damages in your accident claim.
Motorcyclists Are Vulnerable In Traffic Accidents
Motorcyclists face the risk of sustaining serious injuries or disability when riding alongside motor vehicles on the road. Motorcycle riders are an overrepresented demographic in traffic fatalities, with nearly 5,000 riders losing their lives in 2018 alone. When up against large motor vehicles, riders are 29 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries. In non-fatal crashes, serious injuries are sustained in 80% of accidents. These injuries include loss of limb, neck and spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
One of the most common reasons motorcycle accidents occur is the negligence of other drivers. Motorists often struggle with visual recognition when it comes to motorcycles, leaving them to violate the rider’s right of way. This is the case in 67% of accidents involving multiple vehicles. Drunk driving is another significant influence in motorcycle accidents, resulting in nearly one-third of all fatalities. Other dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, contribute to 32% of motorcycle accidents. While negligent driving accounts for a majority of motorcycle collisions, bad weather is another contributor, influencing 2% of accidents.
Accident Prevention and Safety
Motorcyclists can take part in multiple safety practices to reduce the risk of sustaining a serious injury in a crash. Helmets reduce the risk of death in an accident by 37%. A rider should choose a helmet with flexible dual-layered protection, a face shield, and straps to secure it in place. Making sure the helmet is snug can ensure that the head isn’t jostled too much in a crash.
In addition to wearing helmets, riders should avoid operating a motorcycle while intoxicated. Driving any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to delayed reaction times, reduced cognitive ability, and impaired motor skills and judgment. Combined with the two-second correction time motorcyclists have in an accident, impaired riders are especially at risk of sustaining a serious injury. Finally, riders should avoid driving in severe weather conditions.
For motorists, avoiding a collision with a motorcycle requires attentiveness and awareness while on the road. Often, a motorcycle may be harder to see than a passenger car due to the size difference between the two vehicles. Additionally, motorists often misjudge the distance between themselves and the motorcycle, or the speed at which the motorcycle is traveling, and unintentionally cut riders off.