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How pervasive is the problem of fatal motorcycle accidents?

On Behalf of | Jul 13, 2020 | Personal Injury

People in Missouri live in what some would say is one of the most scenic areas of the country, and one way some choose to enjoy this scenery is through a motorcycle ride. However, motorcycling can be dangerous, since motorcycles do not offer safety features found in traditional automobiles, such as seat belts and air bags. Even what might be a minor motor vehicle accident between two cars can be catastrophic if one party to the accident is a motorcyclist.

What some motorists fail to understand is that motorcyclists have the right to share the road with motorists. This means that motorcyclists may have the right of way at certain intersections and roadways. If a motorist fails to yield to a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist can be badly injured.

How pervasive are motorcycle accident fatalities?

Motorcycle accidents are all too common both in Missouri and across the U.S. According to the National Safety Council, in 2017 over 5,000 motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. These deaths have increased more than two-fold since 1997. In fact, in 2017 14% of all traffic fatalities involved motorcyclists.

Motorists must practice motorcycle awareness

It is up to drivers to avoid violating motorcyclists’ right of way by practicing motorcycle awareness. Motorcycles are smaller than traditional vehicles, so motorists must be on the lookout for them, as they can be harder to see. Thus, motorists should always check their blind spots before changing lanes and check both ways before moving through an intersection. Motorists must also be able to participate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers, as motorcyclists may need to take evasive action to avoid dangers on the road such as potholes and debris that may not be an issue for those in traditional automobiles. Distracted driving should also be avoided.

We can take care of the legal issues surrounding motorcycle accidents

Ultimately, in an accident between a motorcyclist and an automobile, the motorcyclist will usually experience worse injuries than the motorist. In the worst of circumstances, the motorcyclist will lose their life. Thus, motorcyclists in the Washington area who are involved in motorcycle accidents may want to pursue compensation for the damages they suffered.

Our attorneys can take care of the legal issues in motorcycle accident cases so that our clients can focus on recovery. Our firm will examine all available legal options, so that our clients can pursue the compensation they need to become whole again. Navigating the legal system can be intimidating, but with the right help it can be possible to pursue the financial resources needed to move forward following a motorcycle crash.

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