Across Austin and the state of Texas, motorcycle accidents are a common problem. Motorcyclists who are in an accident have a higher chance of a catastrophic injury or fatality, with rates shockingly higher than those of car accidents.
Statistically, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident versus car drivers, and the chance of a passenger death is 6 times higher for motorcyclists. There are many reasons for these alarming statistics, but some common reasons include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
By now, most everyone is aware that distracted driving is a major problem for all types of vehicles on the road. The small size of motorcycles makes it easy for distracted drivers to miss them, causing a major collision.
Drunk driving has always been another typical reason for motorcycle accidents. The number of daily drunk driving accidents remains high and increases the chance of a motorcycle accident.
The unfortunate reality is that many drivers speed on a regular basis, perhaps thinking that it is not as serious a problem as distracted driving or drunk driving. This is not true. In 2018, almost 10,000 accident fatalities were due to speeding drivers.
Road hazards and fixed objects are also dangerous
Although these are causes of all types of accidents, there are other factors that specifically increase the chance of a motorcycle accident.
Many roads contain hazards that are not always obvious to motorcyclists, especially if there has been recent bad weather. Even motorcyclists driving with the utmost care can be more susceptible to a crash in these conditions. Motorcyclists are also more likely to collide with a fixed object if the object is not clearly visible.
Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often major. They can include brain, spinal cord or other types of injuries that can impact a victim’s entire life. A personal injury attorney can be a valuable resource after a motorcycle accident.
