If you would like to see a collection of the luckiest motorcycle crashes caught on camera, click the video below. Be aware that while these motorcyclists miraculously escaped death, the contents nonetheless are graphic and, in some cases, disturbing.
The fact is that motorcycle accidents are among the most deadly of all accidents. While those inside a vehicle are at least somewhat protected by a steel cage, airbags, and seat belts, a motorcyclist has none of these safety features. The motorcyclist’s only means of protection is a helmet, and possibly some protective clothing, such as leathers. Even these are no match for a 3,500 pound car hitting the unprotected motorcyclist at 55 mph.
Per vehicle miles traveled, the motorcyclist is 35 times more likely to die in a collision than the driver of a vehicle. The primary cause of motorcycle accidents is driver distraction. The person in the automobile may be engaged in multi-tasking rather than focusing on their driving and those around them. Drivers who talk on their phone, send or receive texts, play with the radio, eat in the car, turn around to scold children or see what they’re doing, talk to other passengers or attempt to read a map or the car’s GPS risk being involved in an accident. Since motorcyclists are particularly difficult to see, they become extremely vulnerable to distracted drivers.
Since more than 90% of all motorcyclists are self-taught, motorcycle inexperience is also a significant factor in motorcycle crashes. A motorcycle requires more coordination and experience to operate than the average automobile, so the fact that most motorcyclists have little to no training is a bit alarming. Inexperienced motorcyclists may brake inappropriately, take curves too fast, or fail to adjust their driving to inclement weather and road hazards. Surprising to most people, excess speed is rarely a factor in motorcycle crashes. In fact, the median crash speed of a motorcyclist is approximately 21 mph.
Perhaps the number one reason motorcycle accidents occur has to do with their much smaller size and the inability of other motorists to see the motorcycle. Intersections in particular are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, with about a large percentage of motorcycle accidents occurring in intersections. Nearly half of all intersection accidents occur when a vehicle is making a left-hand turn, and either misjudges the speed of an oncoming motorcyclist, or fails to see the motorcycle completely. Drivers may also sideswipe motorcyclists when they fail to see them in the neighboring lane. Other accidents can occur when a driver is backing from a driveway or parking space without taking the time to look for motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Road hazards which are nothing more than a minor annoyance for the driver of an automobile can lead to a serious accident or fatality for a motorcyclist. Uneven pavement during road repairs, ruts in the road, large potholes, oil slicks, tree branches or other debris in the road, animals in the road and large puddles of water following a rain are all potentially hazardous situations for the motorcyclist.
The injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident are typically quite severe, and may include:
Consistently wearing a motorcycle helmet, getting the proper training, and being hyper-vigilant in watching out for other drivers can help keep motorcyclists safer. Automobile drivers also need to be more aware of the motorcycles on the road and learn to not only share the road but also pay attention for the smaller vehicles. Finally, multi-tasking behind the wheel needs to become a thing of the past in order to protect motorcyclists as well as those in automobiles.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Miami, Pompano Beach, Hallandale, South Beach, or anywhere in the South Florida area, it is important to speak to an experienced Miami motorcycle accident attorney immediately. Your attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies and obtain the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
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