U.S. accident statistics paint a clear picture. Based on the rate of serious injuries and fatalities per vehicle mile driven, motorcycles are by far the most dangerous motor vehicle to drive. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys realize that some of the reasons for that danger are also clear. In a wreck, the rider of a motorcycle does not have the same protection against impacts as the occupants of an enclosed vehicle.
NHTSA data shows that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a wreck than occupants of enclosed vehicles. Motorcycles make up less than 5% of the vehicles on U.S. roads, but account for around 15% of fatal accidents.
Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys point out that a large percentage of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles. But motorcyclists, more than other motor vehicle drivers, face the dangers of fatal single-vehicle crashes when they lose control of the bike and collide with fixed objects.
Motorcyclists are unfortunately much more likely to be injured or killed in a collision with a fixed object like a tree, highway barrier, or sign than occupants of enclosed vehicles. In 2002, for example, 28% of fatal motorcycle wrecks involved collisions with fixed objects. Compare this with only 18% for passenger cars, 12% for light trucks, and 4% for large trucks.
The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Denena & Points caution that these numbers don’t seem to change much over time. In 2006, 25% of fatal motorcycle wrecks involved collisions with fixed objects. The numbers stayed at 18% for passenger cars and 12% for light trucks and went down to 3% for heavy trucks.
Then again in 2008, 25% of fatal motorcycle wrecks resulted from collisions with fixed objects. The numbers went up to 19% for passenger cars, 14% for light trucks, and 4% for heavy trucks.
If you ride a motorcycle, be aware of the accident risks and take precautions accordingly. Maintain your bike in top working condition, always wear a helmet as protection against head injury crash dangers, and keep in mind that drivers of larger vehicles often don’t notice the smaller profile of your bike. Sadly, it’s probably safe to assume other motorists won’t always yield proper right of way on turns and lane changes, so ride defensively.
If you have a motorcycle wreck and need help obtaining the just financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, contact us for a free consultation. The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Denena & Points have more then 14 years of experiencing aggressively advocating for the rights of injured bikers. Our personal injury expertise and skill has helped our clients obtain millions of dollars in full financial recoveries over the years. We could help you too in your time of need. Call or email us today.