Accidents Can Happen to Even the Safest Motorcyclists
Motorcycle accidents are one of the deadliest events out on the road. Even with the best safety gear and the most defensive driving techniques, you can still get caught in the middle of an accident. Out in the busy highways and streets of Michigan, no one is fully immune to motor vehicle collisions leading to personal injury.
Preparing for motorcycle accidents involves using safety gear and proper training. However, in the worst case, when you find yourself in an accident, your best option is to have competent legal counsel. After all, you need evidence and support to get the compensation you deserve for personal injury.
The Realities of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,030 total motorcycling fatalities in Michigan in 2017. Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of the total road fatalities in the U.S. as well.
In 2016, it was found that motorcyclist fatalities actually occur almost 28 times more than passenger car occupant fatalities. Comparatively, you are safer inside a car than you are driving a motorcycle. NHTSA also estimated that if all motorcyclists wore helmets in 2016, additional 802 lives could have been saved.
These statistics show the realities of motorcycle accidents. While they don’t happen to everyone, they do occur in significant numbers. If it happens to you or to someone you know, these statistics stop being just numbers on a page. They become a legitimate medical, emotional, and financial concern.
Drivers, pedestrians, and other vehicles involved in motorcycle-related accidents have full rights to justice and lawful compensation. With the expertise of an experienced legal counsel, you can be assured of the compensation you need to pay for any damages and personal injury.
The truth of the matter is that you need a law firm that has the dedication to seek a peaceful and beneficial resolution for your side. Hire a competitive team to back you up. The Clark Law Office is determined to help you win your case.
Dealing with the Danger of Motorcycle Accidents
Why are motorcycle accidents more fatal compared to passenger car occupant accidents? Even if you follow all safety rules, including traffic laws and defensive driving measures, people on motorcycles are naturally more vulnerable to personal injury and fatalities.
Motorcycles are obviously smaller in build compared to cars and trucks on the highway. In a collision, motorcycles can be more easily crushed. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injury because unlike four-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles do not have protective shells.
Another reason why motorcycle accidents happen is that motorcyclists can be difficult to see, especially if they enter the blind spot of other cars or if it’s during the night time. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to external physical hazards like bumps on the road and construction work.
Despite these concerns to safety, motorcycling is still a popular mode of transport. Michigan motorcyclists go on the road because buying the vehicle costs less in initial investment, and there can be a lot of savings in fuel. Plus, motorcyclists aren’t as vulnerable to extreme traffic jams.
The best way to balance these concerns and commuting benefits is to practice safety tips. NHTSA regularly posts guidelines on what constitutes safe motorcycle driving. Here are some tips to keep in mind to minimize the chances of personal injury:
- Wear appropriate and well-fitting safety gear, including helmet, eye protection, durable clothing, and driving gloves
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits, lane markings, directional signs, and traffic lights
- Drive at a safe speed, considering the weather, construction works, and traffic
- Always use turn signals and turn your head when changing lanes or turning
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Minimize aggression by being courteous to other drivers
- Make yourself more visible by positioning your vehicle in the right lane and using your headlights
- Avoid blind spots
Ultimately, it’s important to drive defensively and to follow traffic laws as much as possible. Always remain on the lookout for potential hazards and collisions.
Contact a Michigan Personal Injury Attorney
No matter how carefully you or other people drive, accidents can happen. Here at The Clark Law Office, we understand how difficult motorcycling accidents can be. For the past 30 years, we have been putting our dedication, experience, and expertise to good use by successfully winning cases for our personal injury and motor vehicle accident clients.
We want to help you get the best possible resolution to your personal injury case, from proving negligence to recovering compensation from the insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation!
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