You could be forgiven for thinking that it doesn’t make that much of a difference whether you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident. The end result is the same, you may have suffered injuries that entitle you to pursue compensation, but the complexities and sometimes subtle differences between the two need to be appreciated when making a successful claim.
Ask a motorcycle accident attorney, for instance, and they will immediately confirm that you need representation that understands these key differences and knows how to guide you through the claims process in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Here is a look at the main differences between motorcycle and car accidents.
The risks are higher, and the injuries can be more severe
One thing that stands out immediately when comparing the key differences between motorcycle and car accidents, is the fact that you are far more likely to suffer death or serious injuries on a motorbike, compared to driving a car.
The risk of death is as much as thirty times higher for a bike rider. Almost every aspect of accident and injury statistics confirm how much riskier it is to be riding a motorbike than driving a car.
One statistic that says it all is the fact that although motorcycles only account for about 2% of all the vehicles on the road, they represent about 5% of all highway fatalities. This disproportionate number highlights just how dangerous it is to be involved in an accident when riding a motorcycle.
As the consequences and resulting injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident are often far more severe, this confirms why it is relevant to engage the services of a personal injury attorney who has specific knowledge and understanding of the impact these injuries can cause.
The cause of accidents is often different
The roads bear witness to accidents daily. Considering that an average of eleven million car accidents are recorded annually in the US, you can see how dangerous our roads are if you are a driver.
How these accidents happen tends to differ when you compare the risks associated with driving a car or riding a motorcycle.
Drivers tend to be involved in accidents as a result of things like distracted driving, driver fatigue, excessive levels of alcohol or drugs, and aggressive driving. Motorcyclists can be caught up in these scenarios, and often suffer injuries in a number of typical collision incidents.
Left-turn accidents are a classic bike injury situation. When a car makes a left turn without seeing or allowing for a motorbike rider, it can have disastrous consequences. Motorcyclists also regularly suffer injuries when colliding with fixed objects. They are also more susceptible to being injured by road hazards like uneven surfaces, potholes, and slick conditions.
It should also be noted that drugs and alcohol also play a part in a significant amount of motorcycle accidents.
The prospect of serious injury is much higher for motorcycle riders
The statistics lay bare the heightened risk associated with riding a bike, compared to driving a car. The bottom line is the prospect of more serious injury, or death, is much higher for bike riders compared to car drivers.
One obvious reason for the disparity is the fact that car drivers have a layer of protection around them. The car body takes the initial impact and can help reduce the severity of injuries thanks to design technology and devices like air bags.
Motorcycle riders don’t have anywhere near the same level of protection in an accident.
Riders have some level of safety as a result of wearing a crash helmet and protective clothing, but this is not going to stop them potentially suffering a serious injury when an accident involves crashing into another vehicle, or some other hazard.
Fatalities are more common with motorcycle accidents
Sadly, all the statistics point to a much higher level of danger when riding a motorcycle, compared to driving a car. The numbers highlight the very real prospect of a motorcycle rider losing their life in a crash. The risk of this happening is considerably higher than if they were driving a car. Why is this the case?
The most obvious reason why motorcyclists are more exposed to the risk of serious injury and death is the exposed nature of riding a bike, compared to the level of protection you get inside a car. A motorcycle rider is far more exposed to the prospect of suffering a direct impact injury, either with another vehicle, or some sort of object, or the road surface.
When you consider this level of exposure and heightened danger, it’s not surprising that motorcycle riders suffer a higher rate of fatal outcomes.
Motorcycle accident lawyers understand these key differences
The severity and complexity of injuries sustained as a result of a motorcycle accident can be so different to the outcome of a car accident. It is the specialist nature of these accidents and the subsequent injuries that requires a lawyer with specific knowledge to help guide you through the claims process,
Not only will a specific motorcycle accident attorney be able to guide you through the legal and insurance claims process successfully, they will also be well placed to provide the sort of legal guidance required to pursue a claim for injuries and compensation.
Having a lawyer who understands and knows all about motorcycle injuries and how to deal with claims as a result of this type of accident, it can make all the difference to the outcome of your request for adequate recompense.
We all know that drivers and motorcyclists tend to behave differently on our roads. They can both suffer very different outcomes in the event of a collision. Motorcyclists will always be at greater risk of suffering serious injury as a result of riding a bike on our roads. That’s why every bike rider needs to get the right level of protection and help while they are riding their bike, and when something disastrous happens, in the blink of an eye.
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