Every time a motorcyclist goes out onto the Dallas roadways, they are putting themselves in a lot more danger than the average road user. Statistics on motorcycle fatalities make for grim reading, with many riders losing their lives each day across the country.
A closer look at these motorcycle accident statistics shows a certain pattern in terms of the time frame in which most of these collisions occur.
This information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other reputable sources can help riders plan their journeys to avoid riding at the most dangerous times.
However, regardless of how careful riders can be, fatal motorcycle accidents happen every day. The victims of these crashes deserve fair compensation. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can provide insight to what the survival rate for motorcycle accidents is.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has been advocating for the rights of motorcycle accident victims for many years. The law firm can be reached at +1 214-253-4639 for a free consultation. They can also help with questions like What are the different types of motorcycle accidents?
Risk of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following motorcycle accident statistics have been observed across the US:
In 2020, at least 5,579 motorcycle riders lost their lives in fatal motorcycle crashes.
Deadly motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all road accident fatalities.
Head injuries on riders not wearing helmets have resulted in 2,143 deaths.
Exceeding the speed limit is the main cause of at least 34% of fatal motorcycle collisions.
Alcohol-impaired drivers cause 27% of motorcycle accidents.
In 2017, more than 42% of motorcycle fatalities occurred between 3 pm and 9 pm.
3 pm to 6 pm is the time frame most motorcycle collisions occur.
Between 3 am and 6 am on weekdays and 6 am and 9 am on weekends are the time frames associated with the most non-fatal motorcycle accidents.
A fatal motorcycle accident is more likely to occur on weekend evenings after drinking alcohol
What Time Do Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
What time of day do most motorcycle accidents happen? According to the statistics above, it can be deduced that most motorcycle accidents occur at the following times:
Weekday evening hours during heavy traffic.
Weekend nights after drinking and socializing.
Evenings when the light is failing.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
Most fatal motorcycle accidents involve a handful of common causes that can be avoided easily by riders, such as:
High-risk Riding Conditions
The late afternoon is often associated with poor riding conditions that can increase the chances of a fatal accident occurring. The falling light and rapidly cooling temperature have been attributed to the increase in fatal crashes during this time.
Also, in most states, the late afternoon is often accompanied by rain, fog, and snow. These weather conditions make the roads a lot more hazardous for motorcycle riders. Motorcyclist injuries can occur if the riders are not prepared to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions.
Rush Hour Traffic
Between 3 pm and 6 pm, hundreds of thousands of employees pour out of office buildings and factories as they head for home.
This increase in road traffic makes traveling during this time very difficult, which often translates to increased road rage, impatience, frustration, bad decision-making, and other dangerous behaviors.
Car accidents are more likely to occur when drivers are behaving this way, and when they do, motorcycle riders will often receive the worst injuries.
Poor Visibility
The setting sun results in a brief period of poor visibility. This is because the natural light will no longer be adequate for clear vision while the conditions are not yet dark enough to make headlights effective.
Head-on collisions resulting in fatal injuries are common during this time, which is why riders are always encouraged to wear helmets and bright/reflective clothing.
Driver Impairment
As the day draws to an end, the number of impaired drivers on the road increases sharply. This increase continues until around midnight, which makes evenings and nighttime the most dangerous time of day for riders to be on the road.
Other Causes
There are also other common causes of motorcycle accidents that riders should be aware of, such as:
Crashes with fixed objects
Left-hand turns
Reckless and distracted driving
Speeding
Opening car doors
Poor motorcycle maintenance
Sudden stops
Poor road conditions
Lack of road signs
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When a motorcycle traffic accident occurs, the riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. This is because of the lack of protection and the exposed nature of their riding position.
As such, the following are some of the common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents:
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries
Burns
Road rash
Lacerations
Internal bleeding
Facial fractures
Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Death
Safety Tips To Avoid Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
Deadly motorcycle accidents can be avoided or reduced if riders follow these simple safety tips:
Proper motorcycle helmet use
Wearing protective, reflective, and bright-colored clothing
Paying attention while riding
Not assuming other drivers can see the rider
Adhering to road rules
Avoiding peak times when motorcycle accidents occur
What to Do in Case of a Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of an accident, motorcyclists face a battle to recover from their injuries and seek fair compensation.
This can be made much easier if the victims take the following steps soon after the motorcycle accident happens:
Seek medical attention
Get a doctor's report
Keep receipts of all medical bills
Maintain a pain journal
Gather evidence
Speak to potential witnesses
Hire a good motorcycle accident lawyer
Damages Injured Motorcycle Riders Can Win
With the right legal representation, victims of motorcycle accidents can walk away with huge settlements to cover the following damages:
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Property damage
Wrongful death
Funeral and burial costs
Permanent disability
Loss of companionship
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
A Good Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
In Dallas, Texas, the law allows victims of motorcycle accidents to sue the negligent party and seek damages through fair settlements.
However, winning such cases is not always a simple matter. When insurance companies refuse to pay, victims need to find good Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys to fight for their rights.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is one of the top-rated motorcycle accident law firms in Texas and is ready to go to war for justice and fair compensation. Victims can visit its Dallas law offices for a free case evaluation.