According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) there were 34, 925 Highway Fatalities in the United States in 2010. 4,502 were highway motorcycle fatalities. Motorcycle accidents and fatalities occur daily, and can be attributed to a number of factors: driver negligence, recklessness, and general disregard for traffic safety laws. Many of these factors are serious concerns for other vehicles on the road as they are difficult to spot on the road and can be caught weaving in and out of traffic. One of the common complaints of motorcycles is that they appear to “come out of nowhere” and are not easily visible on the road.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Motorcycle accidents are easily avoidable if traffic safety laws are followed and drivers’ alertness is increased. However, as with any law, some are followed and some are broken. The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities:
- Motorcycles speeding through light, normal, and heavy traffic;
- Following too closely behind and beside cars, trucks and other moving vehicles (Tailgating);
- Riding in the emergency lane;
- Weaving in and out of traffic;
- Stunt driving on surface streets and highways.
Though not all accidents are caused by motorcycles, there is still an alarming number of motorcycles involved in accidents and fatal crashes:
Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes 2000-2010: USA
| Year | Number of Motorcycles |
| 2000 | 2,975 |
| 2001 | 3,265 |
| 2002 | 3,365 |
| 2003 | 3,802 |
| 2004 | 4,121 |
| 2005 | 4,682 |
| 2006 | 4,963 |
| 2007 | 5,306 |
| 2008 | 5,409 |
| 2009 | 4,603 |
| 2010 | 4,633 |
What To Do If You Have Been Involved In A Motorcycle Accident
- Collect as much information as possible including the driver’s name, telephone number, registration number, and the make and model of other vehicles involved in the accident;
- Document the name and contact information of any witnesses;
- Take photos of the accident scene – this included personal injuries, damage to the motorcycle and other vehicles involved, and the location of the accident;
- Discuss your legal options with an attorney that specializes in motorcycle accidents.
A motorcycle accident attorney is necessary to help accident victims secure the appropriate amount of compensation for their injuries. Due to the complicated nature of motorcycle accident law (liability, partial liability, etc.), hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to defend you is crucial to the outcome of your case.