A variety of factors contribute to traffic accidents, but speed is one of the leading culprits. And, because motorcycles provide minimal impact protection, high-speed crashes are especially deadly for bikers. In fact, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) says motorcyclists are approximately 22 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles and the risk of serious injury is much higher. Because these claims involve a complex set of legal issues, including the complicated Michigan No-Fault system, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one is injured.
Recommended reading: 12 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
FAST FACTS ABOUT SPEED
As the Covid-19 pandemic began to escalate in 2020, law enforcement saw an increase in speeding and other reckless driving behaviors. However, although the epidemic has lessened in scope and severity, the speeding problem continues.
Here are some recent statistics:
- In one year, speed was the cited cause of 29 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- 50 percent of drivers admitted to exceeding the posted speed limit on a freeway by 15 mph, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a traffic crash than occupants of motor vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents have a fatality rate of 80 percent compared to a 20 percent death rate for car accidents, according to research conducted by J.D. Power
- Motorcyclists over 40 are approximately 20 times likelier to be injured in an accident than automobile drivers in the same age group
- For every 100,000 registered cars, the fatality rate was 10.5 compared to 59.34 for the same number of registered motorcycles
- The death rate for motorcyclists is 25.67 for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled, while the rate for occupants of passenger vehicles was 0.67 in a given year
Recommended reading: Can Grass Clippings Cause Deadly Motorcycle Accidents? What Every Biker Should Know
HOW DOES SPEED INCREASE THE RISK OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?
In a crash, the force of impact is directly proportional to the speed of the moving vehicles. Therefore, high-speed collisions typically cause more severe injuries than those involving vehicles traveling at lower speeds.
Even when speeding is not the primary cause of an accident, it’s likely to result in more serious injuries than if the vehicles had been moving more slowly.
Here are some of ways speeding increases the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries:
- Increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle
- Reduces the ability to brake or stop quickly in the event of impending danger
- Makes it more difficult to navigate in hazardous weather or dangerous road conditions
- Increases the stopping distance necessary to avoid a crash
- Impairs the protective ability of airbags and seat belts
- Intensifies crash energy disproportionately so vehicles are unable to withstand the stress of a crash and occupants are more likely to be killed or seriously hurt
Recommended reading: Can An Injured Motorcycle Passenger Sue For Compensation?
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES RESULTING FROM MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
While motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets have a greater risk of head injuries, bikers can still sustain brain damage, especially in a high-speed crash.
Spinal injuries
Motorcyclists involved in a crash involving vehicles traveling at high speeds can suffer injuries such as spinal cord damage, herniated discs, and other conditions resulting in chronic pain, loss of mobility, muscle weakness or permanent paralysis.
Internal injuries
While these injuries are not always apparent immediately after an accident, conditions such as internal bleeding or organ damage can have devastating consequences, especially if left untreated
Broken bones and fractures
The impact of a crash, especially when the motorcycle and/or the other vehicle(s) involved were speeding, can cause the motorcyclist to suffer broken or fractured bones that may require surgery and rehabilitative therapy
Road rash
A rider who slides across rough pavement after a crash may end up with painful skin abrasions that can become seriously infected without prompt and correct medical treatment
Mental health issues
In addition to physical injuries, many motorcyclists suffer emotional damages such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety
Recommended reading: Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
The majority of motorcycle accidents involve passenger vehicles such as cars, SUVs and trucks. And, more than two-thirds of these crashes are caused by the driver of the motor vehicle. In some cases, more than one person or party may be at fault.
Here are some of the parties that might be responsible for a motorcycle accident:
- The driver(s) of the motor vehicle(s) involved in the accident
- The motorcyclist
- The motorcycle manufacturer
- The manufacturer of a defective motorcycle part or component
- The entity responsible for maintaining the roadway
- The repair shop that negligently repaired the motorcycle
In addition, the victim must prove the other party was negligent in order to prevail in a lawsuit, which can be challenging. This is why it is so important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible if you are injured in a crash.
Recommended reading: Hiring An Attorney For A Motorcycle Accident
CALL US TODAY TO GET THE BERNSTEIN BIKER ADVANTAGE®!
Because many of our lawyers and staff members ride, we know the pleasures and pitfalls of riding a motorcycle. We also understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be for the biker and their loved ones. And, we understand the complexities of Michigan motorcycle law and the many legal issues surrounding these claims. With our vast collective experience, legal expertise and extensive resources, we know how to build a winning case and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.
That’s the Bernstein Biker Advantage®.
Motorcycle accident laws are complicated, but finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer is simple.
Click the button below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
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