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Motorcycle Accidents In The US

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Inadvertently, many drivers, whether its due to negligence or lack of concentration, avoid safety precautions when motorcyclists are involved. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents most often occur as a result of poor judgment on the part of automobile drivers. Listed below are some of the most common situations likely to render motorcycle accidents. These facts should not be taken lightly when deciding whether or not to contact an attorney.

Motorcyclists are often difficult to see, and many accidents occur because motorists fail to yield to them. Most instances occur at busy intersections, but similar incidents can occur during poor weather, when visibility is a factor. While accidents such as these are not usually deliberate, motorists should practice safe, defensive driving, even more so when cyclists are on the road. Allow enough distance between the cyclists and yourself, and always yield at intersections. Improving driving conditions places responsibility on both drivers.

Motorcycle accidents are common in young, inexperienced drivers. Many neglect to consider road conditions, poor weather, or speed limits when driving. An individual driving a motorcycle for the first time is likely to become overwhelmed and consumed by the power and speed of the motorcycle, quickly leading to accidents and personal injuries. Similarly, cyclists must adjust to an entirely different form of driving. Many accidents are caused when cyclists over brake, causing the person to be hurled off the bike. Drivers of motorcycles face heightened risks and should consider taking extensive driving courses prior to purchasing one.

Motorcyclists are particularly prone to injuries when experiencing an accident. Over 60 percent of all motorcycle accidents are accompanied by fires, as gas leakage and chemical spills are more likely in these modes of transportation than in cars. At the very least, a motorcyclist can suffer from minor bumps and abrasions, but typically, the prognosis is much more grim. The driver of a motorcycle is essentially unprotected form the elements, making him or her prone to burns, puncture wounds, hemorrhaging, brain injuries, or death. It is estimated that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than a driver of an automobile. Wearing protective gear such as helmets, pads, and suits can protect you from life-threatening injuries you may be susceptible to.

New legislation reforms have improved automobile safety, decreasing fatalities by 3.9 percent from 2007 to 2008 in the United States. However, they have done little to help motorists, as the number of fatalities continues to rise. During this same period, motorcycle deaths increased by approximately 6.6 percent, while injuries related to cyclists have also increased by 17 percent. In part, this is due to the carelessness of automobile drivers, as they often fail to yield. However, statistics affirm that one fourth of all motorcyclists in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses. While lack of experience may be questionable, nearly 40 percent of crashes took place at intersections, when a motorist was making a left hand turn and the cyclists was going straight, causing a collision, the fault of the motorist. It seems there are a variety of factors contributing to motorcycle accidents in this country, and all must work together to develop new reforms for motorcycle safety.

If you were in involved in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver and wish to bring up charges against the responsible party, a motorcycle accident attorney can provide you with the best resources. Your attorney can help you reach a timely settlement, receiving the compensation you need to pay medical expenses and repair damages. If you are a loved one or family member of someone who has died unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident through no fault of his or her own, you may have grounds for an unlawful death claim. Driver safety is a serious matter, one that should not be taken lightly. Compensation may be within your reach, helping you to recuperate from hospital bills that have likely accumulated. However, you must contact an attorney right away to handle the case. Statute of limitations laws place strict deadlines regarding when personal injury claims can be filed. After a specific amount of time has lapsed, it may be impossible to form your claim. These laws are state-specific, so research these regulations and set up a consultation meeting with an attorney as soon as possible.