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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Motorcycles are vehicles that many people enjoy riding, for pleasure or as a primary form of transportation. It can be an economical form of transportation, as motorcycles require less gas and get better gas mileage than cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Motorcycles can also be very convenient to use. Recent statistics have reported that over seven million motorcycles are on the roads in the United States. In addition, in 2008, more than one million motorcycles were purchased.

Motorcycle riders have often thought to be younger individuals; however, in recent years motorcycle riding has begun to draw a new group of individuals, appealing to more affluent and older riders as well as younger riders. There are more male motorcycle riders, but the percentage of women riders is increasing.

With the increase in motorcycle usage, there has also been an increase in the number of motorcycle injuries and fatalities. In 2007, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that there were 123,000 motorcycles involved in crashes. As a result of these crashes, 103,000 people were injured and 5,154 people were killed (this was the highest number of fatalities related to motorcycles since 1975, the year data started being collected).

By design, motorcycles are less safe than enclosed motor vehicles. In addition, because of their small size in comparison to other vehicles on the road, motorcycles are less visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Because they only have two wheels, they are also far less stable than other vehicles, which can be a contributing factor of accidents. In addition, the instability of motorcycles means that drivers must use different mental processes and physical skills when operating a motorcycle than if they were driving a car. Motorcycles and their riders are also much more susceptible to poor weather and road conditions when they drive.

Motorcycles also face other factors when driving that can make riders more susceptible to accidents. For instance, there are approximately 137.8 million cars on the road, compared to 7.1 million motorcycles. That means that motorcycles are few among the many. In addition, many larger SUVs on the road, as well as congested roadways, can be problematic and lead to motorcycle accidents. Statistics show that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in crashes that involve more than one vehicle. It has been reported that motorcycle riders were 35 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than passengers in cars, SUVs, or trucks.

In addition to the design and size of motorcycles and the ratio of larger motor vehicles to motorcycles on the road, there are a number of other factors that may contribute to motorcycle accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and licensing may also be a contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Most serious accidents occur at night, on weekends, and on rural roads.

Driving a motorcycle requires a great deal of responsibility on the part of the driver. Being aware of potential risks while riding, such as the fact that motorcycles are less visible than others, riding within the posted speed limit, riding sober, and using a helmet can greatly increases the chances of avoiding accidents, or serious injury.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is highly recommended that you speak with an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents and injury. A motorcycle accident lawyer will help you get through the process and obtain compensation for your medical expenses, as well as damages to property.
A lawyer will want to have details regarding the accident and your involvement in it. It is important to obtain all related documents and be prepared to discuss what happened. A motorcycle lawyer will work with you to sort through the information and help you potentially obtain a settlement. Ideally, a lawyer will try to help you avoid a court appearance if possible, although it may not always be so. If you do have to go to court, your attorney will prepare you to do so.

Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in your state to begin the process of obtaining compensation for injuries and damage incurred as the result of your motorcycle accident.