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Stunning Facts About Motorcycle Accidents That May Surprise You

The best stats available, from the National Highway Traffic Study Administration, show that motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of fatality compared to car accidents. According to the most recent statistics, about 18 out of every 100,000 car accidents led to a fatality. With motorcycles? More than 55 out of every 100,000 accident led to a death.

Comparing motorcycles, cars, and bicycles

The most recent data also makes it clear that those who ride motorcycles are 16 times more likely to have serious injuries from an accident than a person who drives a car and is twice as likely to sustain a serious injury in an accident compared to bicycle riders.

A closer look at the yearly stats relating to fatalities

According to the most recent statistics, motorcycle deaths are on the rise. Consider the stats from 2005. 4008 people were killed while riding motorcycles. Compare that to 37,304 people killed while riding in a car. Of course, the number of people killed in cars is much higher but so too are the number of people driving cars. Consider that motorcycle fatalities are about 5% of highway fatalities yet they’re only 2% of all registered vehicles in the United States.

Most motorcycle accidents are much more serious than most car accidents

Here’s a statistic that may stagger you: 80% of all motorcycle accidents led to some type of injury or death. Many people may assume that cars are pretty similar but the reality is that only 20% of car accidents lead to a serious injury or death.

Who are motorcycles getting into accidents with?

About three-quarters of motorcycle accidents involve a car as well and about one-quarter involves just the motorcycle. Two-thirds of accidents that involve only a motorcycle were the result of rider error and about half of all fatal accidents involved alcohol.

What can help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents?

There are several steps that can be taken to lower the number of motorcycle accidents. Here is the best advice of Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas:

  • Wear protective gear. This includes helmets, leather jackets, durable pants, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing.
  • Headlamps-on in daylight can significantly reduce motorcycle accidents.
  • Avoid the urge to wear black leather clothing and opt for brightly colored jackets.

In short, anything you can do to make yourself more visible to other drivers is likely to help.

Common results of non-fatal motorcycle crashes

Some of the most common results of non-fatal motorcycle crashes include:

  • Brain injuries.
  • Fractures.
  • Breaking of joints including elbows, hips, shoulders, and knees.
  • Road rash
  • Facial scars.
  • Disfigurement.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident then your next move should be to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We will work tirelessly so you get the compensation you’re entitled to under California law, which may include:

  • Past and future medical bills including hospital, psychological, dental, and physical therapy.
  • Past and future loss of earnings and loss of time at work. Keep in mind that even if an employer pays for loss of time via vacation or sick leave, it may be recoverable.
  • Loss of enjoyment / activities.
  • Past and future pain, emotional distress, inconvenience, and suffering.
  • Property damage, rental charges, and loss of use of property.

Do you still have questions about your motorcycle accident? Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas right away. We will use our decades of experience to fight for you to get what you’re entitled to.