What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents

Thousands of accidents occur each day on roads across the country, some of which involve motorcyclists. While any type of accident is a bad thing, motorcycle accidents are often more catastrophic than the average car accident. The impact of a vehicle crashing into a motorcycle could send a motorist in the air, causing them to drop down on the ground at a fast pace and sustain some of the most traumatic injuries.

If you were involved in a Huntsville motorcycle accident, there are some important things you should know.

How many people have been involved in motorcycle accidents?

Thousands of people are involved in motorcycle accidents each year in the United States. In fact, a total of 4,985 people were killed in motorcycle crashes in 2018, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Eighty-two of those people were in Alabama, accounting for about 9% of all fatal crashes last year.

The good news is, fatal motorcycle wrecks are actually declining. The numbers of fatal wrecks have decreased for the last 3 years, and Alabama’s fatal motorcycle crashes have decreased by almost a full percentage point since 2016.

The bad news is, people still die on their bikes every day, and riders and passengers still suffer serious, life-altering injuries when they are hit.

What are the most common motorcycle accident injuries?

Because motorcycles offer far less protection than passenger vehicles, crashes often lead to far more severe injuries for the bikers. Some of the most common injuries can include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Road rash and lacerations
• Severe head trauma
• Injuries to the neck, shoulders, collarbones, and arms
• Crushed limbs
• Spinal injuries, including paralysis

These injuries are not just painful, but can easily change riders’ lives by making it impossible for them to walk, talk, or do things for themselves again. In the most tragic circumstances, the rider, as well as his/her passenger, could die.

How can motorcyclists stay safe on the road?

When riding on a motorcycle, there are several things you can do to keep yourself a bit safer. Your safety is a top priority and it is something you should take seriously. Consider doing the following things when riding your motorcycle:

• Always wear a helmet to protect your head; it’s the law
• Wear protective clothing, including goggles, long pants, and a jacket
• Be especially carefully on curvy, winding roads, on hills, and in other areas with poor visibility
• Avoid riding in inclement weather whenever possible
• Avoid lane splitting (which is illegal)
• Make sure your passenger has his or her own seat
• Pay attention to all areas of the road, including what is in front of you and on both sides of you
• Do not drive too close behind the other motorists in case they come to an abrupt stop
• Obey the speed limit
• Use reflective tape and your lights at night

When you take certain measures to keep yourself safe, you have a much greater chance of avoiding a dangerous and potentially fatal accident.

If you have been involved in an accident while riding on your motorcycle, the chance that you sustained major injuries is quite high. After going through such a traumatic event, you need to work with an experienced Huntsville motorcycle wreck attorney who can help. Martin & Helms has the skills, experience, and resources needed to help you. To learn more about how we help clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, and throughout North Alabama, call us at 256-539-1990 or fill out our simple contact form.