blog home Motorcycle Accident Just how dangerous are motorcycles compared to cars?

Just how dangerous are motorcycles compared to cars?

By John Singleton on December 15, 2023

Riding a motorcycle can bring a great sense of freedom. You can feel connected to nature as you enjoy the splendor of Virginia. Riding a bike can also be fun and economical.

Motorcycle riders have every right to enjoy the roads of Virginia, but they and their passengers can pay a heavy price when other drivers don’t follow the rules or look out for bikes on the road.

Statistically, motorcycle riders are 24 times more likely to suffer a fatality and four times more likely to be injured than other drivers traveling the same number of miles.

Why are motorcycle riders more likely to suffer serious injuries and fatalities?

More than 1,500 motorcycle accident injuries and more than 100 fatalities happened in Virginia in a recent year.

Why? A motorcycle just doesn’t provide the same type of protection as a car, truck, or SUV. Passenger vehicles are required to have a secured cabin with seat belts, airbags, and other features to shield passengers from harm.

Further, when a collision happens, the motorcycle rider’s body is likely to absorb the brunt of the impact. The biker may be struck directly by a car or carried through the air by the momentum until hitting the ground, another vehicle, or a barrier such as a wall.

And even when riders take all the right precautions by obeying traffic laws and wearing protective gear, crashes caused by unsafe drivers can lead to devastating injuries. Motorcycle riders can suffer from road rash, paralysis, amputation, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other injuries that cause chronic pain and disabilities.

Who causes most motorcycle accidents?

Although motorcycle riders make up only 3% of vehicle owners, they account for 14% of roadway accident deaths, according to Forbes Magazine.

A major cause of motorcycle accidents is careless drivers. The two unsafe driving practices that cause the most injuries to motorcycle riders are speeding and tailgating, according to the Virginia Highway Safety Office.

When drivers go too fast, they don’t have enough time to react to constantly changing traffic conditions. Sadly, the injuries that occur when a speeding vehicle crashes into a motorcycle are often devastating.

All drivers should leave a safe cushion of space in front of their vehicles to ensure they will have enough stopping time. When drivers get too close to motorcycles, the injuries that result from a crash can include whiplash, internal organ damage, and disfigurement.

Other unsafe driving practices that injure motorcycle riders and their passengers include careless lane changes, failure to yield, improper passing, unsafe turns, and running traffic lights.

Who should I call after a motorcycle accident?

A lot of motorcycle accidents happen when a driver is attempting to avoid another vehicle. Determining fault in these accidents can be complicated, and insurance companies can try to muddy the waters by blaming others for their client’s careless behavior.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we will investigate the accident by interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance video, and examining the physical evidence. When our investigation is complete, we will file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent actions caused your injuries.

We will pursue every available avenue to help our friends and neighbors in Virginia get the resources they need after an accident. This includes money to cover medical bills, as well as compensation for other expenses, such as occupational therapy and time missed from work.

Ken Gibson and I are former U.S. Marines, and we consider it our calling to work tirelessly for the justice that accident victims deserve. We understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there ourselves.

When you put your trust in us, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

Give our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers a call at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation. We bring excellence and empathy to every client.