Motorcyclists make up about 14% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. A motorcycle accident usually means that a rider suffers serious injuries or fatalities because the body takes a more direct impact than in a standard car accident. You are 27 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident.
Major Causes of Motorcycle Fatalities
The percent of motorcyclists who die in accidents can have a wide range of causes and contributing factors. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities include:
- Motorcycle driver inexperience
- Another driver’s inability to see the motorcyclist
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigue
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Failure to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet or a jacket
- Participating in risky behavior, such as performing stunts or tricks
It is important to exercise caution when operating any type of motor vehicle.
Preventing Motorcycle Fatalities With Helmet Use
The use of a properly designed safety helmet is shown to reduce the number of motorcyclists who die in accidents by as much as 37%. Helmets also reduce the risk of death by motorcycle passengers by up to 43%.
Recent reports indicate motorcyclists who wear properly fitted helmets can greatly reduce their risks of serious injuries and fatalities. Sadly, 41% of motorcycle drivers and passengers who suffered fatal injuries were not wearing a helmet that met safety regulations from the Department of Transportation.
Only 19 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws.
Annual Costs of Motorcycle Accidents
Riding motorcycles can be a fun pastime for some and a daily mode of transportation for others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the economic burden of crash-related injuries cost over $12 billion. These costs can come from several factors, including:
- Emergency response teams
- Emergency room personnel
- Ongoing medical care
The cost of motorcyclist medical care and end of life expenses can affect surviving family members. If your loved one lost their life in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to recover the costs of their final expenses and the financial impact on your family.
Talk to a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer about your situation to understand if you have grounds for a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. An attorney will also help you navigate the legal system smoother and more successfully, especially if you need to recover large sums of money from insurance companies that would do anything to avoid payment.
You Have Recovery Options When a Loved One Dies in a Motorcycle Accident
With such a high fatality rate, the percent of motorcyclists that die in accidents is in the thousands. Many families are left with the financial burden their loved one’s death leaves behind.
Recovering from the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle fatality can be challenging and stressful. If someone you love died in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver responsible. Get help from a Fort Lauderdale, FL motorcycle accident lawyer.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to review your case and discover the legal options you have for financial recovery.
