How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Accidents

No matter what type of vehicle it is, driving is inherently dangerous. In fact, it is the leading cause of death for those in the U.S. from the age of 1-44 years old. But, not all accidents are created equal. A crash involving two sedans is serious, but one involving a motorcycle and a sedan is far more grave. We all know this intuitively – it just seems like simple physics. After digging a little deeper into the issue, here are some factors and statistics to illustrate how much more dangerous motorcycles can be.

No Safety Features

Most obviously, modern cars have a suite of safety features which help to keep drivers safe during accidents. Seatbelts and airbags have been protecting drivers for decades, but new technology like automated stability control and pre-collision alerts minimize devastating accidents. Motorcycles don’t have the benefit of any of those. If they crash, the driver is getting thrown onto the ground, every time.

Less Visible

Cars, SUV’s, and trucks are all highly visible because of their size. Even in vehicles with bad blind spots, sensors can detect when another vehicle is close by your side. However, it is much easier to miss seeing a motorcycle since they are smaller and have less color.

Distracted Car Drivers

Drivers of cars are also far more likely to be distracted on the road, making them dangerous to motorcyclists. Drivers can be on their phones, messing with the GPS in the dash, or talking to passengers, whereas a motorcycle rider has none of these distractions.

Statistics

Though it is true that more people die in car crashes than motorcycle accidents, per mile traveled there were 30 times more deaths for motorcycle riders than for those in cars. No doubt, this is because motorcyclists aren’t protected in an enclosed space, so they always come into contact with the road, cars, or their own bike during a crash. At the very least, they are likely to have a bad case of road rash from sliding across the pavement.

Motorcycles are simply more dangerous than cars, so you have to be extra safe out on the road. But, you can’t always avoid an accident. Negligent drivers, unfortunately, are everywhere.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the motorcycle attorneys The Troutman Law Firm. Because of the stigmatization of motorcycles and motorcyclists, insurance companies and courts can be biased against you. Let our experience work for you to overcome the obstacles and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation at 407-647-5002.

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