At What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Many motorists know that as soon as the weather gets warm, bikers will be out in full force. For them, nothing is better than being out on the open road as the wind rushes by. The problem is that riding a motorcycle also comes with an increased risk of being in an accident. Most accidents are caused by negligent drivers who do not pay attention to what is going on around them.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, it’s time to contact Phillips Law Group. We have over 26 years of experience in helping people just like you get the compensation they deserve. Your injuries can lead to difficult financial trouble, and the insurance companies do not always play fairly.

Give the Phillips Law Group a call today at 1-800-706-3000. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Bikers often have a bad reputation. Movies and TV shows portray them as loud and brash lawbreakers. You might even think that most motorcycle accidents happen because bikers speed with little care for those around them. While most groups have their bad apples, these stereotypes are mostly false. Motorcyclists are often everyday people who enjoy going out for a ride.

Back in 1981, the NHTSA studied data from 900 motorcycle accidents and 3,600 traffic accident reports. They concluded that the average pre-accident speed of motorcycles was 29.8 mph. They also found that only 1-in-1,000 accidents were at 86 mph or above. These numbers prove that motorcycle accidents can happen at any speed. While this is old information, most bike accidents happen in lower-speed urban areas and not on the freeway.

The NHTSA shared more recent data in 2017 that revealed:

• 14 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists
• 5,172 motorcyclists died
• 94 percent of those killed were riders
• 6 percent of those killed were passengers
• 97 percent of accidents happened in clear or cloudy weather
• 91 percent of accidents happened on non-interstate roads
• 35 percent of accidents happened at intersections
• 28 percent of bikers killed had a BAC of .08 or higher, according to the national average

What is Considered Speeding for Motorcycles?

The factors that the NHTSA uses to determine whether speed contributed to a motorcycle accident include:

1. The driver of the vehicle was ticketed and charged with a speeding-related offense
2. Speeding is determined to have been a significant factor in causing the accident

For the second point to be considered, a police officer must conclude that the biker was:

• Racing
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Exceeding the posted speed limit

This data shows that speed does cause motorcycle accidents. It also indicates that speed might not be as widespread of an issue as others might think. A greater contribution to motorcycle accidents involves the driving habits of other motorists on the road.

Why Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen

There is no doubt that riding motorcycles can be risky. The NHTSA says a motorcyclist is 29 times more likely to die in an accident than the average motorist. It is a challenge for other drivers to locate when a bike is around them or in their blind spots. It is also difficult for them to predict how that motorcycle is going to maneuver.

Riders are required to take a course on how to drive motorcycles properly since riding a motorcycle requires a different set of mental and physical skills than it does a passenger vehicle. Bikers are also more susceptible to road hazards and weather conditions. The good news is that many bikers are well-trained and highly experienced at riding.

Motorists who drive recklessly cause accidents that do not necessarily involve speed. These situations can include:

• Improperly changing lanes
• Failing to give enough space
• Failing to yield to a motorcyclist’s right-of-way
• Following too close to the back of a motorcycle
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol
• Driving while fatigued

These are only a few examples of ways other motorists can put the lives of bikers at risk. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, call Phillips Law Group right away. We will help you fight to get compensation for your injuries and time off work.

Damages Incurred by Motorcycle Accidents

Both financial and non-economic damages can be incurred by a motorcycle accident. For one, medical bills can stack up and be quite expensive in the long run.

The cost of physical injuries

Numerous physical injuries can be caused by motorcycle accidents. Due to the nature of these types of events, injuries can be severe and life-threatening. Treatment and therapy can be costly, and you may lose some income while you take time to recover.

The types of injuries you can sustain in a motorcycle accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Disfigurement
• Road rash
• Nerve damage
• Neck injuries
• Lacerations
• Muscle damage
• Loss of limbs

Rest assured, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation to cover medical bills and loss of income.

The cost of the emotional damage

While many injuries may heal with time, some might require extensive surgery and recovery. Scars and disfigurement may last a lifetime. Brain injuries and the loss of limbs may lead to permanent disability. Battling major physical injuries may lead to mental disabilities as well.

During this time of recovery, you can also face:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Rehabilitation
• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression

Pain and suffering is one category of non-economic damages that a victim may qualify for under certain circumstances.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into an accident. As a rider, you should know the next steps to take after an accident has occurred. These steps can help you in your case later when you seek compensation for your injuries.

Get medical attention

Getting medical attention is important, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some bikers might feel the need to be tough and refuse medical help. The problem is that certain injuries may not manifest themselves until later. For example, it is common for whiplash victims to start feeling neck pain and soreness a few days after an accident.

Gather information

If you are able, gather contact information from witnesses. Witness statements go a long way in establishing who was at fault for the accident. You should also get information from the other party. Their insurance details and license plate number will help.

Take photos of the scene

Photographs from the scene of the accident can also be used to establish fault. Include anything that might have contributed to the accident.

Do not admit fault

You must never admit fault to anyone. Admitting fault can have a long list of consequences, including putting the target on your back. The other party could claim you are liable and go after you for compensation. So even if you think you were at fault, do not admit it.

Also, do not speak to the other party’s insurance company who will want a statement from you. Anything you say might seem innocent or feel well-justified, but the insurance adjuster may attempt to twist your words and use them against you.

Call a personal injury attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you can be facing many months of recovery. The last thing you need on your plate at this time is hands-on legal errands. Hiring a personal injury attorney who can do the legal work on your behalf can take the burden off your shoulders so you can simply focus on getting better.

Phillips Law Group exists to provide support when you need it most. We are a team of tough personal injury attorneys with experience in handling motorcycle accident cases. Our firm is among Arizona’s largest consumer law firms with many offices throughout the state. You do not have to face this difficult time alone.

Best yet, there is no fee for our legal services unless you win compensation. Call the Phillips Law Group today at 1-800-706-3000 to learn more. Our representatives are available to speak with you 24/7.