Motorcycles have much to offer, including being a great way to connect with the open road, but motorcycle accidents are often life-threatening. When you’re on your bike, your helmet is your only protection from the impact of an accident, which makes safety your first priority. When you ride, you are exceptionally vulnerable to the negligence of other drivers, but if you are injured, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Marietta can help.
When You’re on Your Motorcycle
When you’re on your motorcycle, there are a variety of factors that put you at increased risk, including:
- Stopping much shorter than other drivers can, which makes tailgaters that much more dangerous.
- You are more agile on the road, making it more difficult for other drivers to keep track of you.
- More susceptible to the dangers posed by poorly maintained roads and the effects of bad weather.
- It is more difficult for other motorists to gauge your speed and distance when approaching you at intersections, which can lead to dangerous judgment calls on their part.
- Too many drivers fail to prioritize seeing motorcyclists.
- You take up far less space on the road, which means it’s far easier for you to get lost in other drivers’ blind spots.
While motorcycle riders face more risk factors, this doesn’t alter the fact that every motorist is responsible for helping ensure everyone else’s safe passage on the road. This includes taking the steps necessary to share the road safely with motorcyclists like you.
The Sobering Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcycles comprise just 3% of all registered vehicles and less than 1% of total miles driven nationwide. Yet, motorcyclists accounted for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities in a recent year. While overall traffic deaths per miles traveled have dropped by 16%, motorcycle fatalities rose by 1% during the same period. Over the past decade, motorcyclist deaths have increased by 32%, and their fatality rate has grown by 13%. These numbers underscore the severity of the risks faced by riders.
Your Legal Damages
If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, your recovery may hinge on your ability to recover compensation for your legal damages. Including:
- Property damage to your motorcycle
- Current and ongoing healthcare costs
- Lost income, including losses related to earning power
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can be immense
Talk to Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
At Essa, Janho & Associates, LLC, our Marietta team is dedicated to helping injured riders seek the compensation they deserve. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us online or call 770-955-8322 to get started.