Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Much like rollover accidents, motorcycle crashes are complex events that usually combine several factors, which involve the motorcycle, the rider, and the environment. While motorcycle crashes vary widely in severity, one thing is for sure: they are violent events because the motorcycle rider has zero protection.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “More than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. The motorcycle itself provides no head injury protection to the rider or passenger.”

Unfortunately, it’s common for riders to be ejected from motorcycles. For example, if the rider comes to a sudden stop and he or she is ejected from the motorcycle, the rider may strike objects as they fly off, not to mention the ground.

What Are the Common Causes?

The NHTSA reports that in 1996, there were 67,000 police-reported motorcycle crashes, of those, 40 percent or 27,000 were single-vehicle accidents. Many of those motorcycle accidents were linked to inexperience on behalf of the motorcycle rider, and the rider failing to appreciate the limitations and operating characteristics of the motorcycle.

But drivers in motor vehicles were to blame as well. Approximately one-third of the multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles had to do with drivers who simply turned into the motorcycle rider’s path.

Then there’s alcohol. According to NHTSA, about 43 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents are linked to alcohol use. Since motorcycles require more skill to operate than standard motor vehicles, it’s extremely important that people avoid operating motorcycles while under the influence of alcohol. When someone operates a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol, the alcohol significantly decreases their ability to safely operate the motorcycle, placing them in danger of a motorcycle crash.

Injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault? Contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC at (888) 493-6529 to file a claim.

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