Motorcycle Accident

Representing the injured, the wronged and their families

Involvement in a motorcycle accident is a terrifying, life-altering experience. Most people assume that motorcyclists are irresponsible thrill-seekers who knowingly endanger themselves every time they get on their bikes; motorcyclists, for the most part, love the open road and air rushing past them – they do not throw caution to the wind and should not be vilified simply because they prefer the feeling of being exposed to the environment around them instead of sitting in a sound-dampened climate-controlled car.

A motorcycle accident is not the fault of the motorcyclist because they choose an alternate form of transport; motorcycles get better gas mileage, are cheaper to buy, own and operate, have shorter braking distances and can outmaneuver and outcorner a typical car. Motorcyclists can travel in-between vehicles instead of getting stuck in traffic. They take up less space than a car in a garage and can be parked on the curb. They can travel down alleys and into areas where cars and SUVs cannot. Motorcycles, despite their stigma, are very practical machines.

According to the Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures (Volume 1: Technical Report, Hurt, H.H., Ouellet, J.V. and Thom, D.R) the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominate cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision. The stereotype of reckless motorcyclists is, in fact, overshadowed by the reality of reckless car drivers who cause most motorcycle accidents.

Sources
The following information comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, whom are responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The NHTSA states their responsibilities as: “[NHTSA] investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.”

The Facts
The NHTSA, in association with the NCSA ( National Center for Statistics & Analysis), published in 2005 their annual Traffic Safety Facts report on motorcycle accident injuries in the U.S. According to their compiled data for 2003:

• There were 3,662 motorcyclist fatalities (up 4% from the 3,270 fatalities in 2002).

• There were 67,000 motorcycle accident injuries (up 12% from 65,000 injuries in 2002).

• Motorcyclists made up more than 2% of all registered vehicles in the U.S.

• Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than a car driver, and 6 times as likely to be injured.

• Motorcyclists comprised 9% of all traffic fatalities.

• There were 1,675 fatal two-vehicle crashes; in 38% (634) the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle.

• Almost half of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in seven states: 383 in California, 365 in Florida, 323 in Texas, 156 in Pennsylvania, 154 in New York, 143 in Illinois and 136 in Ohio.

• In Alabama there were 1,001 total traffic fatalities, 51 of which were motorcyclist deaths.

The Facts Explained
The most recent data available suggests an upward trend in both motorcycle accident fatalities and motorcycle accident injuries. Motorcycles make up a very small portion of the total registered vehicles in the U.S. – only 2% in fact - yet there is not a single state that has a correspondingly low 2% of total motorcycle accident fatalities. In Alabama, motorcycle accident deaths made up 5.1% of the state’s total vehicle deaths - more than double what the figure should proportionately be. In Hawaii, for example, motorcycle fatalities account for 14.1% of the state’s total crash-related deaths. The difference in Alabama’s vs. Hawaii’s percentages can be largely attributed to the fact that Alabama is one of nineteen states which requires ALL motorcyclists to wear a helmet; in Hawaii only drivers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

All riders regardless of age and experience should always wear a helmet. Unfortunately, car drivers who don’t pay attention to the road and who don’t treat motorcyclists with due respect are largely responsible for the rising number of nationwide motorcycle accidents, but by wearing protective headgear you can help prevent traumatic brain injuries and serious neck or spinal injuries. A good defense is the best offense when battling Alabama motorcycle accidents, so call Cory Watson today.

Read more about motorcycle accidents by following the links below.

Procedures to Follow

Involvement in a motorcycle accident is a frightening, confusing experience for anybody. This list of procedures is designed to ensure that you follow all of the steps necessary immediately following a motorcycle accident. [read more]

Beat the Adjuster

Insurance adjusters thrive off the confusion a motorcycle accident causes in people’s lives. They also tend to blame the driver of the motorcycle for his or her injuries. The adjuster’s job is to make the insurance company more money by paying less money to people injured in motorcycle accidents - people who need it. [read more]

FAQ

Find answers to most of our frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to call us and speak with an Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer, or complete a Free Online Consultation Form. [read more]

1. Auto Accident
2. Aviation Accident
3. Brain Injury
4. Class Actions
5. Defective Building Design
6. Defective Highway Design
7. Defective Medical Device
8. Defective Product
9. Drug Injuries
10. Environmental
11. Fire & Burn Injury
12. Motorcycle Accident
13. Nursing Home Abuse
14. Ortho Evra®
15. Premises Liability / Slip & Fall
16. Truck Accident
17. Workers Compensation
18. Wrongful Death

Attorneys, please complete the following form to be contacted by Cory, Watson, Crowder and DeGaris Attorneys at Law.

Best Time to Call
Select One Morning Daytime Evening

Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, P.C.
2131 Magnolia Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 800-852-6299
Local Phone: (205) 328-2200
Fax: (205) 324-7896