Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles require a lot of you to operate safely. From training, alertness and preparation, it’s important to be ready. But it’s not always in your hands. That’s why it’s crucial to know who dropped the ball when it comes to your accident.

Over 6,300 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2023, according to the most recent information from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association. Those accidents can happen for many reasons. But when you’re in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, they could be on the hook to contribute to your recovery.

3 Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

If you’re a motorcyclist, be aware of the risks. These are three of the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain in an accident:

• Head injuries – Even if you’re wearing a helmet, a crash can cause severe head injuries such as a concussion, traumatic injury to the brain, and cuts and bruises. Kentucky only requires those under 21 to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, but you should consider wearing one regardless of your age to prevent a potentially fatal head injury.
• Road rash – During a collision, motorcyclists may either fall off their bike or slide across the ground with their bike. Both situations can cause scrapes and bruises to your body as well as significant muscle or nerve damage.
• Broken bones – If you’re thrown off your bike during a crash, you may land on a hard road and break a bone. Broken legs are the most common for motorcycle crashes.

Busy roads and distracted drivers can cause some of the worst collisions. 

Understand the Risks

No matter how experienced you are on your motorcycle, a single accident can change your life forever. Since motorcyclists are less visible on the road, drivers of a car or truck might not see you until it’s too late. It’s important that motorcyclists take precautions to prevent an accident caused by a negligent driver.

Understanding the risks involved in riding a motorcycle can also help you stay prepared before hitting the road.

Protection From Others

Distractions, high speeds and reckless maneuvers from other drivers can all put you in danger. It’s important to hold others responsible when it causes a potentially deadly accident. But even without an impact, there are many more ways someone else could be at-fault for your accident.

Troubles Beyond Traffic

Motorcycles are finely tuned machines, and shortcomings in production, design or maintenance could put you at risk without you knowing. The same goes for protective gear. A helmet that is properly licensed is crucial for staying safe. Helmets are 67% percent effective in protecting riders from brain injuries, and 37% effective in warding off death, but manufacturing errors can present serious trouble for your brain and spinal cord when support doesn’t come through.

Even with everything working as it should, a rider and their bike can only operate as well as the roads they travel on. If roads are severely damaged, signs are missing or the design isn’t up to code, then it could be the municipality that’s responsible for your damages. Even something as seemingly minor as a shoulder that is too narrow can lead to dangerous situations.

After a Motorcycle Accident Injury

Getting help after an accident can depend on showing these acts of negligence. It’s not an easy task, and many riders require assistance. Make sure you get the recovery you deserve after a serious motorcycle accident by relying on the attorneys at Satterley & Kelley PLLC. Our team is ready to dig into your case to help find any negligence that led to your injuries, so contact us today.