In 2009, the Kentucky State Police reported 7 percent of fatal motor vehicle collisions involved motorcycles. Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to injury during accidents, especially when another vehicle is involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in the vehicle.
Additionally, a motorcycle's limited ability to withstand collision and protect the rider can contribute to the severity of the rider's injuries. Victims who survive are often left with serious injuries or permanent disabilities. For the victims and their families, high medical bills and loss of income often combine with emotional strain to cause additional suffering.
Causes of motorcycle accidents can be very complex. Factors that can increase the likelihood of a serious motorcycle accident include:
- Speeding
- Alcohol or drug use
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Less visible than other traffic
What You Can Do
Hance & Srinivasan, P.L.L.C., encourages motorcycle riders to follow these simple steps to ensure a safer ride on Kentucky's roadways:
- Keep your headlights on at all times
- Don't ride in the blind spots of cars and trucks
- Wear a helmet, protective eyewear and thick, protective clothing
- Give yourself space and time to respond to other vehicles
- Watch for turning vehicles
- Avoid weaving between lanes
- Get formal training and take refresher courses
What We Can Do
If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle crash caused by another's negligence, please contact our firm to talk with our experienced attorneys about your case in a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
