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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Updated February 20, 2021 | By Wilson Kehoe Winingham staff

Motorcycles offer very little protection when a collision occurs. When in a car, you’re protected with airbags, bumpers and the metal body of the car. Obviously, those protections don’t exist with motorcycles—other than wearing a helmet, you’re on your own.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents typically involve cars not yielding the right-of-way to motorcycles. Many motorcycle accidents occur simply because passenger car drivers do not see motorcyclists. Speeding, lack of reflective gear, and motorcyclists under the influence of alcohol are other contributing reasons to car accidents involving motorcycles. Other possible causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

  • Poor weather conditions
  • Lane splitting
  • Ignoring traffic conditions and signs
  • Inexperienced riders
  • Driving at night
  • Type of engine and motorcycle model

Given the lack of protection motorcycles offer riders, it’s no surprise that motorcycle accidents almost always result in serious injuries and extensive medical bills.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcyclists accounted for 17% of occupational fatalities in 2018, according to the National Safety Council. In fact, from 2004  up to today, motorcycle fatalities have not dropped below 4,000.

Just a few years ago in 2018, motorcyclist deaths in multi-car collisions rose to 63%, the highest percentage we’ve seen in the United States since 1975.

In 2018, of the 1,753 motorcyclist deaths that did not involve a collision with another vehicle, 39 percent had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a motorcycle crash, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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Let WKW put our experience to work for you. Contact us for your free case evaluation.

 

Or, call us today at (317) 920-6400

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