Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles are not as stable as cars and are not easily seen by other drivers. In crashes motorcyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic accident Passenger car occupants are 5 times more likely to be injured.
The NHTSA reported that 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in the most recent year a 7 percent increase. In the same year, 93,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents.
Motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities with a fatality rate of 23.41 per 100 million vehicle miles because 0.90 for passenger cars.
About Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
At Kraft & Associates P.C we represent those injured in motorcycle accidents and the families of the victims.
Our experienced Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys are compassionate and dedicated to achieving results for our clients.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident we urge you to contact our company immediately for a free consultation.
You should consult an attorney before talking to an insurance adjuster and signing any documents.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
In many cases motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic. The body you are most likely to hit on a motorcycle can get injured.
According to a study conducted by NHTSA the most lethal and disabling injuries persist when the point of impact is at the front of the motorcycle.
Here are some of the more common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In an NHTSA study of 104,472 motorcyclists injured in traffic accidents 15 percent of riders with helmets and 21 percent of riders without helmets had TBI. Traumatic brain injury accounted for 54 percent of the riders who did not survive in this group.
- Spinal cord injuries. When the spinal cord is injured from a collision paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) can result. This type of catastrophic injury often leaves the victim permanently disabled.
- Lower-extremity injuries. An NHTSA study of lower extremity injuries in motorcycle crashes concluded that riders experience these injuries more frequently than any other type of injury.
- Leg injuries are the most common lower extremity injuries and fractures are more common than soft tissue injuries.
- Internal injuries. Visceral injuries and internal bleeding can be caused by blunt force trauma (a blow with a hard object that does not break the skin) or penetrating trauma (a sharp object such as broken glass or debris piercing the skin in an accident).
- Fractures. Motorcycles stand erratically and often tip over in accidents. The collision happens quickly and when the bike falls the rider's leg may be under the bike. Wrists and arms can break when a rider grabs himself to prevent a fall.
- Road rash. Serious skin abrasions called "road rashes" occur when a rider comes into contact with the road surface during a crash. This injury can range in severity from mild to severe requires prompt medical attention and is highly susceptible to serious infections and Permanent scars.
Legal Help for Motorcycle Injury Victims
If your motorcycle accident and injury was caused by the negligence of others our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you seek the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
Our firm has recovered millions of settlements and judgments for thousands of clients.
We are a well established and professional company and it is easy to talk to our friendly lawyers and staff. We offer free case evaluations and have no obligation to our potential clients.
Time may be of the essence as much evidence needs to be preserved and an independent accident investigation may be required implement. Our main goal is to get the best result in your situation.