Need-to-know facts about motorcycle crashes
Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey
Almost everyone has heard about a disastrous motorcycle accident that occurred right in their home city. Motorcycle accidents tend to be severe, leaving the motorcyclist and sometimes the driver, with significant life-changing injuries. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by unique circumstances, and in many cases, could have been prevented. Consider a few little known facts about motorcycle accidents below.
Half of All Motorcycle Accidents Take Place at an Intersection
Intersections pose many risks, not only for motorcyclists, but also for vehicle drivers. Visibility can be reduced with large buildings, vehicles may be parked on the sides of the road, and negligence of other drivers can make the intersection dangerous for everyone involved.
Motorcycles are 27 Times More Deadly Than Vehicles
While the rate of accidents may be close, motorcyclists who are in an accident tend to have a worse outcome. That is because motorcycles do not have the same protective features as vehicles do. Additionally, motorcycles go faster. You can increase your safety on a motorcycle by taking a motorcycle safety course and always wearing protective equipment.
Necessary Road Repairs Only Account for a Small Number of Motorcycle Accidents
The speed capabilities of a motorcycle combined with a necessary road repair, like a pothole, can prove to be a dangerous situation. However, necessary road repairs only actually make up for about two percent of all motorcycle accidents. Instead, almost 75 percent of motorcycle accidents are due to a collision with another vehicle.
Weather is Not a Main Contributor of Motorcycle Accidents
Just as you might assume that poor road maintenance leads to more motorcycle accidents, slippery roads and poor weather conditions are also not usually to blame. In fact, poor weather conditions only account for less than 2 percent of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists tend to stay off the road when the weather is poor, especially because they don’t have the protective cover that a vehicle does.
Wearing a Helmet May be More Important Than You Think
Not all states require the use of a helmet when riding a motorcycle, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear one. It is estimated that only about 50 percent of motorcyclists wear a helmet. Yet, only 40 percent of motorcyclists involved in an accident were wearing a helmet at the time. Those who wore helmets sustained fewer neck injuries.
You Have Just Two Seconds to Avoid a Motorcycle Collision
Reaction time is important in preventing an accident, which is why BAC laws are so strict. When operating a motorcycle, you may have even less time to respond to avoid a collision. Motorcyclists will usually only have about two seconds to respond to avoid a collision.
Important Steps Following a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you will want to take the following steps:
- Seek medical care
- File a police report
- Notify your insurance provider
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer
Contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you are able to receive the medical care that you need.
Contact a Clark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motorcycle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of a motorcycle accident in Trenton, Camden, Passaic, Bayonne, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Avenue, Clark, New Jersey, 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.