Who Causes the Most Motorcycle Accidents?
While some wrecks occur because of speeding, reckless, or impaired motorcyclists, it is generally the driver of a passenger vehicle who causes the most motorcycle accidents.
Due to the relatively small size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles, many drivers simply do not see bikers on the road, even when they are in plain sight. This can be a dangerous situation anywhere, but especially in the Magnolia State – Mississippi currently ranks as the most dangerous state for motorcycle riders, based on the percentage of accident-related deaths per 10,000 riders (12 deaths per 10k riders).
Even the most cautious bikers cannot control the actions of others on the road. If you were hurt by an inattentive driver, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Roberts Wilson, P.A. want to hear your story. We understand the hardships you may be facing after a crash and we are committed to helping our neighbors in Oxford, Holly Springs, Batesville, Pontotoc, and other Mississippi communities obtain the justice they deserve.
Why Don’t Drivers See Motorcyclists?
There are a number of reasons why a driver may not see someone on a motorcycle:
- Motorcycles have smaller profiles than cars, trucks, and SUVs, making them more difficult to spot.
- It may be difficult for the driver of a passenger vehicle to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When this happens, the motorcycle may seem farther away than it actually is.
- The motorcycle may be in a driver’s blind spot.
- If a motorcycle moves around within a lane to avoid debris or potholes, it may seem to appear out of nowhere to a driver.
- Some motorists expect to see a motorcycle during the warmer seasons; they may not look out for them in fall or winter.
- Dark-colored motorcycles can be more difficult to see because they can blend into the environment.
- Motorists are most used to looking out for other cars—not motorcycles. This is a phenomenon called “inattentional blindness”.
Inattentional blindness is a phenomenon studied by scientists that describes a person’s failure to notice unexpected objects in plain sight. Researchers have found that even in clear conditions without any distractions or hazards, drivers often look in the direction of oncoming motorcycles–sometimes even looking directly at the bike–and continue to pull into its path.
The High Cost of Driver Inattentiveness
Every driver on the road has a responsibility to look out for motorcycles. However, when collisions occur, it is the motorcyclist who has the most to lose.
Though motorcycles constitute only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Helmet use is a significant factor in motorcycle fatality trends.
When drivers fail to see motorcycles on the road, catastrophic consequences can result. Common injuries sustained by bikers in auto accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Limb loss
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
Regardless of who causes the most motorcycle accidents, the long-term effects of these injuries can be devastating and life-altering. In the case of a spinal cord injury, for example, a victim may suffer partial or full paralysis. These injuries can lead to a loss of independence, a lifetime of in-home care, and a severely diminished quality of life.
If you were hurt in a wreck, you may be facing disfigurement, disability, high medical bills, and lost wages that you cannot afford. An experienced attorney can help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled under Mississippi law. At Roberts Wilson, P.A., we put you first. We know that as an accident victim, this is more than a case, it’s your life. We will work diligently to handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus solely on healing.
How to Prevent and Mitigate Motorcycle Accident Injuries
As a motorcyclist, you cannot control who causes the most motorcycle accidents, but there are steps you can take to stay safe and mitigate injuries when they occur. Whenever you get on a bike, you should:
- Always wear a helmet
- Wear appropriate gear, including long pants and boots
- Take motorcycle education and safety classes
- Perform regular maintenance on the motorcycle
- Ride defensively
- Ride a motorcycle appropriate for your experience and skill level
- Abide by posted speed limits and obey the rules of the road
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Talk to an Oxford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for FREE
If you’ve been hurt in a bike wreck, Oxford motorcycle accident lawyer Roberts Wilson has the knowledge, experience, and resources you need to seek the compensation you deserve. Our firm advances all expenses, and we never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery in your case.
Contact our office today online or at (662) 533-9111 to discuss your case for FREE. Roberts Wilson, P.A. serves clients in Oxford, Holly Springs, Batesville, Pontotoc, and other areas throughout North Mississippi and beyond.
