The open road is both thrilling and dangerous. Cars, bikes, trucks, and pedestrians share space in Arkansas as people make their way around for various reasons. On any given day, some of these vehicles get involved in crashes that result in property damage, injury, and death. Anyone who travels on the road is vulnerable to injury. Even drivers of large commercial trucks can suffer life-threatening harm. However, when compared to the occupants of a passenger car, motorcyclists are at greater risk.
Arkansas doesn’t require motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear helmets. Therefore, many bikers have nothing at all to protect them from the impact of a larger vehicle. Even those who wear helmets and protective clothing may not be as safe as those who travel in cars.
Modern cars have several safety features including seatbelts, upgraded airbag systems, collision warning systems, tire pressure monitors, and anti-lock brakes. Some drivers also have access to pedestrian detection systems and cameras that help them to see what’s happening behind them and at their sides.
Motorcycles don’t have most of these features. Motorcyclists’ injuries are, therefore, likely to be very serious. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a Bentonville car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Bike crashes can occur for several reasons. However, some of the most common causes are:
- Vehicles making left-hand turns. This is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. An estimated 42 percent of all bike accidents involve a car turning left into the path of an approaching bike.
- Alcohol use. Many deadly motorcycle accidents are caused by drunk drivers or drunk bikers. An intoxicated motorcyclist is as dangerous as any other motorist who is under the influence. Meanwhile, drivers who are drunk are less like to see motorcyclists and the consequences can be deadly.
- Speeding. If a motorist is speeding, their reaction time will be slower, and they’ll need a greater distance to come to a safe stop. They’ll also be more likely to lose control of their vehicle. Speed also increases the likelihood that an accident will result in significant damage and serious injuries.
- Collisions with stationary objects. Motorcyclists are more likely than other motorists to suffer fatal injuries when they collide with something like a pole or tree.
Tips for Avoiding a Serious Motorcycle Accident
You can’t control the actions of other road users, but you can ensure that you’re not the one causing an accident. You should:
- Be aware of other road users
- Keep your motorcycle in good working condition
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Avoid riding during bad weather
- Obey the speed limit
- Never drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs
- Never tailgate
- Avoid riding while tired
- Wear reflective or brightly-colored clothing while riding
How to Reduce the Risk of Serious Injury in a Motorcycle Accident
You may not always be able to avoid a crash but you may be able to keep your injuries to a minimum. One of the best ways to prevent serious injuries if you get involved in an accident is to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2017, helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists across the country. If every motorcyclist wore a helmet, the NHTA suggested that 749 more lives could have been saved.
There’s no doubt that helmets can make a big difference. However, helmets can’t offer protection from every injury. Motorcyclists can suffer organ damage, burns, and bone fractures if they get thrown from their bikes. To reduce the risk of serious injuries, you should also:
- Wear eye protection
- Wear a leather or Kevlar suit to protect you against road rash
- Wear high-quality enclosed shoes or boots
- Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists suffer are:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Severe bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
In the worst cases, these injuries lead to death.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A. Today!
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it may not be easy to get it. Motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries that result in high medical bills so you’ll likely get pushback from insurance companies. Instead of trying to handle your case alone, contact a Bentonville car accident attorney, and give yourself a fighting chance. Your first consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by calling us.