Motorcycle accidents can occur for many other reasons than many people usually think. Conditions of the road can pose a large threat to motorcycle riders and even cause the most experienced riders to lose control. Uneven roads, sand, gravel and pot holes are are minor issues to most motor vehicles but are extremely hazardous for motorcycle riders. Still the most dangerous hazard to a motorcycle rider is a negligent driver. A large portion of motorcycle injuries are attributed to the negligence of a driver. If a motorcyclist is injured by driver negligence, the motorcyclist deserves to be compensated. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident involving a negligent driver don’t hesitate to contact a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney today to get on the road to recovery.
Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims in Phoenix
Unendorsed Motorcycle Riders in Washington
Every five years, operators of motorcycles are supposed to pay $25 to be endorsed. This money funds the motorcycle safety courses and programs in the state of Washington. Approximately 28% to 33% of motorcyclists in Washington do not have motorcycle endorsements. As a result, the safety programs in Washington are extremely underfunded which leads to more motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents are one of the most deadly types of accidents that occur on the roadways today. The lack of protection that motorcycles provide leads to serious injuries and even death. Unendorsed riders account for more then 28% of the riders killed each year in Washington. Since unendorsed riders do not know proper safety driving techniques and maneuvers they are not only a dangerous weapon to themselves, but to other people on the roadways too. If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney to help you.
Arizona Motorcycle Safety Laws
Every year over 50,000 people are injured and nearly 2,000 of those are killed in motorcycle accidents. A large percentage of these injuries and deaths could have been prevented if the riders had worn helmets. Arizona inforces very strict motorcyle helmet laws. Arizona enforces motorcycle riders to wear helmets if they are under the age of 18. These safety laws require that motorcycle riders wear eye protection at all times while riding. Under Arizona law, all motorcycle drivers must take their motorcycles in for safety inspections on a regular basis.
If you own and operate a motorcycle in Arizona, it is very improtant to be familir with all the laws and regulations surrounding motorcycle usage. If you or a family member has been injured or has suffered property damages stemming from a motorcycle accident, contact an expert Tucson motorcycle accident attorney to help you with the legal process.
Motorcycle Accident Prevention
Motorcycle riding has increased in popularity over the past 20 years. With more and more people choosing a motorcycle over a car, motorcycle accident reports have become more and more frequent. The main reson for this increase in motorcycle usage, is because most motorcycles are more fuel-efficient compared to most other kinds of vehicles. As motorcycle popularity increases, it is importent to remember that while motorcycles may be fun and cost efficent, they are also much more dangerous then other types of automobiles. The below list is to help minimize the dangers related to operating a motorcycle.
- Always inspect your bike before riding
- Always wear protective gear while riding
- Never drink and ride
- Never practice tailgating
- Don’t speed
- Be respectful of other drivers on the road
Even if you follow all the above instructions, riding a motorcycle remains risky and dangerous. If you or a loved one have unfortunatley experienced a motorcycle accident, contact a professional Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney.
Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are usually deadlier than car accidents. Cars offer protection that helps shield motorists from injuries, the only protection a motorycle rider has is a helmet. There are many different injuries and consequences that result from motorcycle accidents. Below are some common types of consequences from motorcycle collisions:
- Concussion and brain damage: occurs when the head makes contact with the road or other objects such as vehicles, fences and signposts. Riders wearing an approved helmet greatly reduce the risk of death.
- Breaking bones, most commonly the shoulder and pelvis.
- Road rash, or soft tissue damage to the skin and muscle as the body slides across the road surface. Proper use of motorcycle-specific protective apparel can prevent this type of injury to a great extent.
- Biker’s arm: where the nerves in the upper arm are damaged during the fall, which causes a permanent paralysis of arm movement.
- Facial injury, often in the chin area, occurs usually in the absence of a full-face helmet.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the above injuries, contact an expert Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
Women Bikers Causing Increase in Motorcycle Accidents
Over 20% of all motorcycle riders in the United States are women. Women motorcyclists used to be a rare sight, but last year over 10,000 females took their motorcycle training practicle test. Surveys report that this increase in women riders is due to financial reasons. With gas prices on the rise, more women are switching from car to motorcycle.
As the number of female motorcycle riders increases, so does the number of motorcycle accidents. Even though nothing indicates that women are more likely to crash then men, the fact that there are more riders means more accidents. Actually, in proportion, fewer women are involved in motorcyle accidents then males. Women are also more likely then men to attend safety, and driving classes. These classes provide women with driving skills that help them avoid accidents. If you or a loved one have been involved in motorcycle accident and are considering making a motorcycle accident claim, then get in touch with a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise
Motorcycle accidents have continued to rise in the United States over the past 20 years. From 2003 to 2004, motorcycle accidents increased by 400 in the U.S alone. Every year thousands of people are killed due to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle safety reports indicate a steady rise in motorcycle related deaths in the United States. Listed below are several factors that have contributed to the increase in United States motorcycle accidents:
- Increase in driver distractions, on and off the road
- Increase in old and young motorcycle riders
- Increase in reckless driving
- Increase in motorcycle sales
- Increase in motorcycle power and speed
Motorcycles are extremely dangerous because they offer little to no protection in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an expert Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer to help you.
Motorcycle Accident Facts
Motorcycling is not only one of America’s favorite pastimes, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely than an occupant of a passenger car to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and eight times more likely to be injured. The number of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in the United States is increasing as the number of motorcycle owners increase.
Almost 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents involve speeding on the part of the bike driver. Some other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
• Use of alcohol or drugs by the motorcycle driver
• Undivided roadways
• Poorly maintained road, leading to road conditions like potholes, cracked pavement or loose gravel
• Fatigued motorcycle driver
• Mechanical issues, such as a misaligned tire or brake failure
The Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney at Wattel & York will work vigorously to determine the cause of fault in your motorcycle accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Determining the cause of fault in a motorcycle accident is a highly specialized process. The attorneys at Wattel & York will work vigorously to determine the cause of fault in your motorcycle accident. If your accident involves a motor vehicle, fault is usually determined by the law of negligence. Motorists must exercise a standard called “reasonable care under the circumstances” when driving. The law of negligence states that if a motorist fails to exercise this standard and negligently operates a vehicle in such a manner as to inflict damage to another person or property, then the person guilty of negligence must make restitution for this or her act of negligence.
An act of negligence can be due to a multitude of factors, including:
- Failure to signal when turning;
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Excessive speed;
- Failure to heed traffic signals or signs.
If you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident, consult attorneys trained in the rules and regulations governing motorcycle accidents. At Wattel & York, our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience handling traffic-related accident cases. We go the extra mile, taking pains to investigate the possible causes of your motorcycle accident so that you receive full compensation for any pain and suffering you have endured.