There are many reasons why riding a motorcycle puts you at a higher risk for being involved in a crash that can result in severe injuries or death. There is a high likelihood of fatal injuries when a motorcycle accident occurs because motorcycles lack seat belts, airbags, and other safety features that are present in passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in severe injuries or death, a personal injury lawyer at Lipton Law can help with your personal injury claim. Call us today at 248-557-1688.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Michigan Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are not too different from other motor vehicle accidents. They often result from a short list of causes, the majority of which are based on the negligence of a biker or drivers of motor vehicles. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to the following.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes. These are among the most fatal accidents for motorcyclists. A car has a significant size and weight advantage and a motorcycle has no protection to hold them in place if the motorcycle abruptly stops.
Motorcyclists could be facing any number of serious injuries from traumatic brain injuries to broken bones or worse.
Failure to Yield Right of Way to a Motorcycle Rider
Drivers sometimes have a hard time judging distances and speed of oncoming motorcycles. Many left hand turn accidents happen because drivers misjudge the space between them and a motorcycle which results in a motor vehicle ramming into the motorcycle.
Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of most traffic accidents. However, motorcyclists have little to no protection when struck by an oncoming vehicle traveling at a high speed. The faster the car and the motorcycle are going, the greater risk there is for more serious injuries to the motorcyclist.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs is always dangerous. Not only are intoxicated drivers putting themselves and others at risk, drunk drivers (and motorcyclists) may be left with significant legal consequences. Driving under the influence contributes to many fatal motorcycle accidents.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Failing to signal or check mirrors before moving into another lane is a contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Without warning of a turn signal, a motorcyclist will be unaware of a vehicle suddenly moving in front of them.
Not only should drivers signal and check their mirrors, they should also remember to check their blind spots. A motorcycle may be harder to see in blind spots due to its size compared to other larger vehicles. Drivers with safety features such as blind spot mirrors or blind spot warning systems, should also turn around and take a quick look directly into the blind spot before changing lanes.
Weather Conditions
Motorcycle riders should take precautions to look up weather forecasts and avoid riding in inclement conditions when possible. Rain and snow can cause wet pavement or icy roads. If a biker hits a patch of ice, they are more likely to take a spill or swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic. Without the protection that a motor vehicle has, motorcycle riders are liable to be severely injured or killed if a crash occurs.
Road Hazards
Even a minor hazard can cause a motorcyclist to lose control because of the motorcycle’s size and stability. Potholes, small animals, slick roads, uneven surfaces, puddles, fallen objects or debris can result in a serious motorcycle accident.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Death or Injury in Michigan?
An astounding 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or fatalities, while in comparison passenger vehicle crashes are at 20 percent, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA also states that motorcycle accidents claim the lives of over 2,100 riders each year. Additionally, motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger vehicle occupants and about 4 times more likely to be injured.
How to Increase Safety While Riding.
No matter how good of a motorcycle rider you are, you will likely come to some type of obstacle while out riding. You can keep yourself safe and decrease your chances of injuries from motorcycle crashes by:
- Wearing a helmet
- Wearing appropriate, high visibility protective gear
- Obeying speed limits and other traffic laws
- Practicing defensive riding by keeping your headlights on and signaling your intent well in advance of turning
- Taking safety education courses
- Performing regular inspections of your tires, lights, fluid levels, and other critical components
- Avoiding the road during dangerous weather conditions and at night time
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
How Do You Determine the At-Fault Party in Michigan Motorcycle Crash Cases?
Proving who was to blame in a motorcycle accident requires evidence from the scene of the accident, police report, and other sources. Evidence of the other driver or motorcyclist breaking the law, such as driving under the influence, unsafe lane changes, or speeding, can help determine who was at fault for the accident.
Michigan no-fault law allows people injured in motorcycle accidents to gain compensation no matter who is at fault. However, these damages only cover certain losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, requires filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Michigan insurance companies tend to be very suspicious of these claims, especially when a motorcyclist is making the claim.
Why Should You Hire A Law Firm After an Accident?
It is important to move quickly to ensure that you can receive the compensation you deserve. Dealing with insurance companies that will be motivated to give you a minimal amount because they are skeptical of your claim isn’t something you should have to worry about after your accident.
A Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer can be vital in navigating the many legal and financial issues that are a result of your motorcycle accident. You focus on your recovery, let our attorneys handle the legal issue at hand.
Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a Michigan fatal motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced attorney to fight for you. The Michigan personal injury attorneys at Lipton Law are committed to securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more. Call us today at 248-557-1688 for your free consultation.