The Most Common Factors in Motorcycle Accidents

Every year, nearly 8.5 million motorcycles ride on our nations roads and for good reason. Motorcycling is a thrilling way to commute and a great pastime that is enjoyed by teenagers and baby boomers alike. Yet motorcycling is inherently dangerous. In 2013, nearly 5,000 people died in motorcycle crashes. While this was a 6.4% decrease from 2012, there is still more work to be done to lower the motorcycle fatality rate. In addition to deaths, more than 88,000 motorcyclists are injured in accidents each and every year. Older motorcyclists account for more than half of all motorcyclist fatalities. According to the NHTSA, 56% of motorcyclists killed in crashes were age 40 or over, compared with just 46% in 2003.

Driver Inattention & Motorcycle Accidents

There are many common factors in motorcycle accidents, yet the majority of motorcycle accidents can be attributed to driver inattention. Many auto drivers fail to consistently watch out for the smaller motorcyclist, resulting in serious accidents. A large number of these accidents occur in an intersection when an auto driver makes a left hand turn while either underestimating the speed of an oncoming motorcyclist or completely failing to see the motorcyclist. Other accidents occur when the automobile backs out of a parking space or driveway without properly looking behind.

Alcohol and DUI

Some estimates place the number of motorcycle accidents that involve alcohol at 30% (whether on the part of the motorcyclist or the automobile driver). Alcohol and driving do not mix and intoxicated drivers can inadvertently run into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. They can swerve into their lane or run them off the road. In addition, drunken motorcyclists can negotiate a turn at too fast a speed or fail to notice a stop sign at an intersection. In 2012, motorcyclists killed in nighttime crashes were 3x more likely to have BAC levels over the legal limit.

Road Debris and Obstacles

Motorcycle accidents can also be the result of roadway debris, defective road design, reckless driving, inexperienced drivers, and impaired drivers. A single vehicle accident, involving only the motorcyclist can result when the driver takes a corner too fast, hits a deep pothole or an animal or is riding in inclement weather. The motorcyclist may strike a fixed object or may be thrown from the motorcycle and collide with a fixed object.

Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado Springs, you need an experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle accident lawyer on your side from the very start. Contact the experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys at the Green Law Firm today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. Call us today at 1-719-694-8515.