HOW COMMON ARE FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA?
On behalf of Rooney Law Firm posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, August 22, 2014.
This is a question that many people find themselves asking. And, in fact, motorcycle accidents are quite common, and riders are significantly more likely to die in a crash than someone behind the wheel of a car. According to statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatality rate for motorcycle accidents in 2012 was 58.63 for every 100,000 registered vehicles. This is more than six times the rate for passenger cars, 9.66, and more than seven times the rate for light trucks, 7.92.
While these reports involving traditional two-wheel motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, off-road bikes, scooters and mopeds, the vast majority — 93 percent — of fatal crashes were with two-wheel motorcycles. In 2012, there were 4,957 motorcycle accident fatalities, but there were 93,000 injuries. In 52 percent of fatal cases, the accident involved another type of vehicle.
Because motorcycles offer riders very little in the way of protection in a crash, these types of accidents can often result in serious injury and even death. While helmet use can sometimes prevent brain injury and decrease the chances of a fatality, they cannot save everyone. Even riders who survive a motorcycle accident may not have an easy road ahead. Serious injuries often mean hospital stays, lengthy recoveries and even the chance of surgery.
If you have been injured in an accident or have lost a loved one because another driver was speeding, distracted, drunk or otherwise negligent, there may be legal options. Filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation through the California courts can seem overwhelming when things are already stressful. Talking with someone who understands how the laws apply and what can be done in your particular situation can help.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data” Aug. 17, 2014
