To most people, it is probably no surprise that a motorcycle rider is thirty times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than a drive or passenger in a car accident. Oftentimes a motorcycle accident occurs at high speeds or as the result of a collision with a car or truck that is many times larger than the motorcyclist or their motorcycle. The only protection is a helmet and a layer of leather or other protective clothing. The fact that severe injury is more likely does not let negligent drivers off the hook for the injuries a motorcycle rider incurs. It is an improper defense to argue that a motorcyclist would not been hurt as bad had they been driving a car when the accident occurred. Many auto insurance representatives or their defense lawyers will try to make that claim. Don't let them get away with it!
According to the GAO (Government Accountability Office), the federal government's accountant, a fatal motorcycle accident costs an average of $1.2 million and non-fatal motorcycle accidents cost around anywhere between a few thousand dollars to $1.2 million. With the high cost come high damage claims against the negligent party, as "costs" do not include the harms and losses suffered by the victim. By harms and losses I mean the daily physical and mental suffering from having a permanent injury or disability. The harms and losses suffered and easily equal several million dollars in a Missouri or Illinois motorcycle accident case or wrongful death case.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident call an injury lawyer now to discuss your options. We handle Missouri motorcycle injury cases and Illinois bike accident cases, however, even if your injury case is not in our area, contact us and we will help you find a good bike accident lawyer in your area, no charge.
Tips to avoid/reduce injury from a motorcycle crash:
1: Wear a helmet - According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration helmets prevent thousands of motorcycle deaths every year.
2: Brake Quickly with Both Front and Rear Brakes - Using both the front and back brakes will help you slow down much faster. Typically the front brake is the most effective in slowing you down, however, front brakes can also cause you to lose control if hit too hard. If you feel that loss of control, pump the front brake but keep the rear brake held down tight.
3: Avoid Laying the Bike Down - About 10 years ago I had a driver pull out on front of me when I was riding my motorcycle at about 35 MPH. The collision was unavoidable and my reaction was to immediately lay the bike down and slide into the car. My body slide under the car and my head violently struck the rocker panel. Luckily I was wearing a full face helmet. Simply put, rubber on tires and brakes are more effective at stopping or slowing you down than sliding on metal.
Related Motorcycle Law Articles:
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