Despite the dangers, many people in California choose motorcycle riding as their preferred form of transportation. While a certain amount of risk is expected, many motorcycle accidents could be prevented if car drivers were more careful. Here are three scary-but-true facts about motorcycle accidents:
#1: Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise
Since 1999, fatality rates for the passengers and drivers of cars and light trucks have steadily decreased. At the same time, however, the fatality rate for motorcycle riders has gone up to more than twice what it was in 1999.
#2: It’s usually the car driver’s fault
Many of the problems that motorcyclists face on the road have to do with the behavior of other motorists. Car drivers often fail to see motorcycles, and drivers may not provide motorcycles with adequate following distance and right-of-way.
Statistics show that two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents that involve a passenger car were caused by the passenger car driver failing to respect the biker’s right-of-way. That means that many motorcycle deaths could be prevented if car drivers were more cognizant of motorcycles.
#3: Accidents are more dangerous for bikers
It’s not surprising that motorcyclists are more at risk of injury and death when they are involved in a collision. Because motorcycle riders don’t have a thick barrier between themselves and the road, even a low speed accident could be much more dangerous for them. Compared to car drivers, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed in a collision.
Negligent drivers can be sued for compensation
If a car driver hit you while you rode your motorcycle, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. Since car drivers often violate motorcyclists’ right-of-way, you may be able to prove that the driver was at fault using traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimony.