Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?

Compared to drivers in cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a traffic accident than a driver or passenger in a car, truck, or SUV, and 9 times more likely to suffer an injury.

So why are motorcycles so much more dangerous? Here are some of the main reasons:

• Motorcycles are incredibly difficult to see. A lot of motorcycle accidents occur simply because a driver did not see the motorcyclist in their blind spot, when changing lanes, or when making a turn. Sometimes a lack of visibility is the result of the motorcyclist riding in a driver's blind spot, while other times the driver may just not have been paying attention. In addition, night time is a particularly dangerous time to ride, as many drivers have trouble spotting motorcyclists when it's dark.
• Natural lack of protection. Unlike a car, truck or SUV, motorcycles aren't equipped with safety features that help protect the rider in the event of an accident, such as a steel metal frame surrounding the rider, airbags, seat belts, a windshield, etc. The only protection a motorcyclist has is the helmet on their head and the clothes on their body. 
• Motorcyclists can be more agile. Due to their size and weight, motorcyclists can move through traffic much easier than a driver of a car, truck, or SUV could. The faster motorcyclists drive, the more they weave in and out of traffic, or the more they ride or pull up in between lanes, the more difficult it is for other drivers to see them and react accordingly, thus increasing the chance of a serious or fatal accident.

Injured in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

Michigan Bikers Association can provide you with dedicated and trusted legal counsel if you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Michigan. Unlike other personal injury law firms, our firm is dedicated exclusively to representing victims of motorcycle accidents. Furthermore, having our own passion for motorcycles, we understand how important it is for our clients to get back on the road as quickly as possible. We promise to work diligently on your behalf, advocate your legal rights, and do everything we can to help you secure a fair and just settlement or verdict.

To learn more about our services, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-MI-BIKER to schedule a consultation with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney today!