Is It More Dangerous to Ride a Motorcycle Now Than in Previous Years?
According to a press release by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the rate of fatalities from motorcycle crashes increased by 10 percent in 2015. Approximately 450 more motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents during 2015 than 2014. The preliminary data indicates that 5,010 riders lost their lives last year in traffic accidents.
Jonathan Adkins, GHSA Executive Director, responded to the findings by stating, “State and national data illustrate that motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than motor vehicle occupants. GHSA and its members will continue to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based motorcycle safety countermeasures to improve rider safety and, ultimately, save lives.”
Wearing a motorcycle helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head trauma and death in a motorcycle crash. The GHSA recommends that all states enact a universal helmet law as this would likely result in the largest reduction in motorcycle accident fatalities. California is one of the 19 states that currently require all motorcyclists to wear helmets.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
In addition to wearing a motorcycle helmet every time you ride your motorcycle, the GHSA recommends:
- Wearing brightly colored clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you when you are riding your motorcycle;
- Obeying all posted speed limits;
- Never riding while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol; and,
- Purchase a motorcycle with antilock brakes. Antilock brakes have been shown to help maintain a motorcycle’s stability in addition to decreasing the risk of a fatality in a motorcycle crash by preventing the motorcycle’s wheels from locking during braking.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Crash?
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, the first step is to seek medical attention. Your health and well-being are the most important priorities for you to focus upon after a collision.
Never Admit Fault At An Accident Scene — Avoid saying you are sorry because this could be interpreted as an admission of fault!
If possible, gather as much evidence from the accident scene (i.e. photos, eyewitness contact information, what was said at the accident scene, etc.). You should also make detailed notes about the accident while the facts are still fresh on your mind, including road conditions, weather conditions, and what you remember immediately prior to and after the collision. In addition, preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident and preserve your motorcycle in its exact condition until you meet with a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney.
As soon as possible, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers. You need an attorney on your side as soon as possible to protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries. The insurance company for the other driver may try to blame you for the collision or it may claim you are partially at fault for the collision. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is your best form of protection from aggressive insurance company tactics.
Filing A California Motorcycle Accident Claim
Contact Torem & Associates for a free case evaluation by calling (888) 500-5000. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Act now to protect your right to file a claim before time runs out.
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