Throughout Michigan and the rest of the country, motorcyclists are always in danger of sustaining severe injuries or even dying as a result of negligent drivers that violate traffic laws. Understanding the statistics and facts surrounding motorcycle crashes is vital for bikers in order to know the risks associated with their sport and how best to protect themselves against them.
Motorcycle accidents statistics and facts
The number of motorcycle crashes continues to rise, with more than 5,000 reported motorbike-related deaths in 2020 alone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also found that approximately 84,000 motorcyclists and passengers get injured yearly. This figure has steadily increased over the past five years as more people purchase motorcycles and hit the open road without proper training. With no seatbelts or airbags to protect them during a crash, it’s vitally important for riders to take safety precautions such as wearing a helmet, proper clothing and defensive riding techniques to minimize the risk of serious injury.
What to do if involved in an accident
If you are ever unlucky enough to get into a motorcycle crash, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention for any injury that you may have sustained as a result of the accident. If possible, take pictures or video of the damage caused by the collision; you can use this as evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation through civil court proceedings. It is also essential that you contact the police and report the incident; they will investigate the scene and file an official report which can be useful during insurance negotiations or in court.
If you sustained injuries as a result of another driver’s negligence, you might be able to receive compensation from that person or their insurance company. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the nature of the accident, damages can include medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with the crash.
