Motorcycle Accidents: Who Is at Most Fault?
Motorcycle riders have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years. However, with this increase in ridership comes an increased danger on the road. In addition to the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle, motorcyclists face unfair biases from other drivers.
Many drivers assume that because a motorcycle is smaller than a car, the rider must be inexperienced or reckless. This attitude often puts motorcyclists at risk, as drivers do not give them the same consideration as they would another car.
NHTSA Reports Explaining the Reason
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely to die in an accident than those in passenger vehicles. The study also found that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, even though they only make up 3 percent of all registered vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of death for people under 40 and the second leading cause of death for people aged 40-54. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle riders are four times more likely than car drivers to be killed in a crash and that 75% of motorcycle fatalities occur when the rider is not wearing a helmet.
Riders Who were Not Wearing Helmets
One reason for the high number of fatalities may be the lack of protection motorcyclists have in an accident. In addition, most motorcycle accidents occur when the rider is not wearing a helmet. States that do not have a mandatory helmet law see a higher percentage of fatalities among motorcyclists.
Compensation claims for motorcycle accidents can be high because of the serious injuries that often occur. Riders who are not wearing a helmet may have little protection if they are thrown from the bike.
In recent years, NHTSA has shifted its focus to who is at fault in motorcycle accidents. Traditionally, the agency has focused on the safety of riders. However, data indicates that motorists are often at fault in motorcycle crashes. To reduce the number of accidents, NHTSA is working to educate drivers about how to share the road with motorcycles.
Other Common Fatalities
Motorcycle accidents are common, and the injuries that may be sustained in such an accident are more often severe and life-threatening. A recent study published in the Journal of Trauma found that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash than those in cars.
The study also showed that the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists were to the head and torso. These injuries can often be fatal.
That person is at fault when someone is negligent and causes an accident. To be found negligent, a driver must have failed to meet a duty of care that he or she owes to others on the road. For example, a driver must obey the speed limit and stop at red lights to avoid causing an accident. If the driver fails to do so and someone is injured, the driver can be liable for damages.
Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts
You may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver if you are hurt in a wreck on your motorcycle. This compensation can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. You must file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company to seek compensation.
After looking into the accident, the insurance provider will decide who was at fault. If the insurance company finds that the at-fault driver is responsible for the accident, they will offer you a settlement. If you are unhappy with the settlement offer, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on the roads. Though they may seem like minor accidents, they can result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a compensation claim and get the money you need to cover your medical expenses.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents are a major public health issue in the United States. In 2007, motorcycle riders accounted for 3% of all motor vehicle fatalities, despite making up only 1% of the driving population. The majority of motorcycle accidents occur as a result of car-on-motorcycle collisions.
However, some motorcycle crashes are caused by other vehicles, such as trucks and buses. In general, who is at fault in a motorcycle accident depends on the facts of each case.
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