The freedom of the open road, the feel of the wind rushing past, and the thrill of gaining speed on two wheels instead of four are some of the reasons people choose to ride motorcycles. When a person wants to buy a motorcycle, inevitably there are arguments from parents and spouses that riding a motorcycle is an inherently dangerous activity. However, is it just a perception that motorcycles are more dangerous than other vehicles or are these valid concerns from family and friends?
What Is the Likelihood of a Motorcycle Crash?
The statistics do show that motorcycle riders are far more likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries if involved in motorcycle accidents than if they were riding in a car. The construction of a motorcycle is less likely to protect the driver or rider than the frame, seat belt, and airbags of a car. Often, motorcycle naysayers will point to the much higher number of brain injuries that result from motorcycle accidents in Allentown, PA and across the United States.
However, nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by collisions with cars, and a majority of those crashes occur because the driver of the car was responsible for the accident. This means that while motorcycles do require skill and confidence to drive proficiently, automobile drivers also need to be more aware of motorcyclists and share the road.
What to Do if You or a Loved One is in a Motorcycle Crash?
When an accident does happen the first concern is the health and safety of any riders. Friends and family members, or better yet a doctor, should look for signs of head injury or concussion from the accident. Also, the driver should contact an attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents and claims. More likely than not the motorcycle driver did not cause the accident, and he or she deserves an attorney who knows and understands the intricacies of a claim for costs and losses due to a crash.
