The endorphin rush that boosts one's mood and mental state, the cost savings from better fuel efficiency, and the ease of maintenance make motorcycles one of the best modes of transportation in the country. However, there are risks associated with riding motorbikes, including the lack of protection for the riders. This can result in serious injuries or even death in minor collisions.
Motorcycle accident lawyers in Dallas TX at Schuerger Shunnarah have extensive experience protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists in Dallas, Texas, and go to war for clients to them obtain the compensation they deserve. Those injured in a motorcycle accident should immediately contact the experienced trial lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah to discuss their case and learn more about their legal rights.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in the United States
Since motorcycles are small vehicles and do not offer adequate protection to their rider, they can be dangerous. Even a minor accident can cause severe injuries or death. They account for only 3% of all registered vehicles in the country but contribute to 14% of the fatalities on the road.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida, California, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the five states with the highest number of motorcycle accident deaths. They accounted for 37% of all fatal motorcycle crashes in the United States in 2020.
Despite these five states having enacted universal helmet laws (some with age restrictions), motorcycle accidents continue to increase each year. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also provide more insight on what the no zone motorcycle is.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen the Most?
According to the 2020 data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 61% of all fatal motorcycle crashes happen in urban areas, as riders are more likely to share the road with other motorists.
The data also revealed that 34% of motorcycle fatalities in the country happened at intersections due to speeding, running a red light, and failing to yield the right of way.
What Are the Weather Conditions in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
The 2020 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report reveals that 97% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred under good weather conditions, such as cloudy or sunny skies. Only 2% of all motorcycle fatalities happened in rainy conditions, and 1% occurred when it was snowing.
What Age Group Is Most Likely to Crash a Motorcycle?
The May 2022 report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that the age group 55 and above accounted for 23% of motorcyclist fatalities in 2011 and 27% in 2020. Between 2011 and 2020, a 10-year period, there was a 37% increase in the deaths of motorcyclists aged 55 and above, suggesting that this age group is one of the most vulnerable to motorcycle accidents.
Another vulnerable group of motorcyclists who are most likely to crash a motorcycle are those between the ages of 21 and 29. In 2020, there were 1,215 motorcycle-related fatalities involving riders in this age group compared to 1,485 deaths in the 55+ age group.
What Are the Factors that Cause Motorcycle Accidents Across Different Age Groups?
There are several factors that increase the risk of motorcycle crashes across different age groups, including the following:
Younger Riders Are More Likely to Engage in Risky Behavior
Riders in their 20s and early 30s have limited experience riding motorcycles. They tend to overestimate their riding skills and engage in risky behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, and racing, putting themselves at risk.
In 2020, speeding caused more motorcycle accident fatalities (34%) than other fatal vehicle crashes. Young motorcycle riders fail to understand that speeding can be thrilling but also deadly, as it increases the required stopping distance and reduces the effectiveness of protective gear.
Middle-aged Motorcyclists Are Prone to Certain Types of Accidents
Generally, between the ages of 40 and 60, middle-aged motorcycle riders are also prone to fatal motorcycle accidents.
Although they have much more experience riding than younger riders, they often overestimate their ability to ride safely, especially after going through psychological changes.
They may not be as attentive on the road as they used to be, increasing the risk of a fatal motorcycle crash if they are not careful.
Older Riders Have Health Problems That Affect Their Ability to Ride Safely
As people age, they experience changes in their vision, hearing, balance, and response time. This can slowly affect their ability to ride motorcycles safely.
Another major factor that may affect older riders (aged 55 and above) is their health problems. Whether they have arthritis or taking medications, it can seriously impair their driving abilities, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Characteristics of Older Motorcyclist Crashes
A 2004 study explores the characteristics of older motorcyclist crashes by examining motorcycle crash data in North Carolina between 2000 and 2002.
The study found that older riders (aged 45 and above) were more likely to get into accidents at intersections, higher speed roadways, on weekends, and during the day. All of these characteristics have one thing in common: high traffic!
According to the same study, younger riders between the ages of 16 and 24 had more single-vehicle motorcycle crashes than motorcyclists in the 25 to 34 age group due to their reckless riding habits. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like, "What is the three second rule on motorcycle?"
Can Injured Motorcyclists Recover Compensation After Their Accidents in Texas?
A motorcycle accident can leave the victim in a catastrophic state. In addition to physical and mental injuries from the crash, the injured rider must also bear the financial burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Texas is a fault-based state that gives the injured victim the right to recover compensation if they suffered injuries due to someone else's negligence. The good news is that Texas uses a modified form of the comparative negligence rule.
This means that even if the motorcyclist is partially at fault for the accident, they may still be able to obtain monetary damages. However, the amount they receive will be reduced according to the degree of their fault.
It is important to note that due to the modified comparative negligence rule in the state, injured victims may not recover compensation if they are more than 50% responsible for their injuries.
Although the law allows motorcyclists to receive monetary damages, it can be challenging to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit without legal help.
Experienced personal injury attorneys at Schuerger Shunnarah can help those affected by:
Assessing their case
Gathering evidence to prove the other party's negligence
Fighting to obtain maximum compensation
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Schuerger Shunnarah for Help!
Those suffering from injuries due to a motorcycle accident in Dallas, Texas, should contact (833) 692-5038 for a free consultation to discuss their case with experienced trial attorneys and learn more about their legal options.
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