A motorcycle is a great way to get around and enjoy the ride in the process, but when you’re on your bike, you’re far more vulnerable to the risks of the road. Unfortunately, too many motorists fail to afford motorcyclists the duty of care they’re owed, and it can lead to devastating accidents. If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to consult with an experienced Pawleys Island motorcycle accident attorney.
Consider the Statistics
The National Safety Council (NSC) shares the following sobering motorcycle accident statistics:
- While motorcyclists account for only 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States and for only 0.7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, they represent nearly 15 percent of all traffic deaths.
- In 2022 alone, motorcyclists accounted for 3.5 percent of all traffic injuries.
- While the overall rate of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled decreased by 16 percent from 2021 to 2022, the motorcycle fatality rate increased by 1 percent.
- Over the past decade, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased by 32 percent.
When you’re on your bike, safety is always your primary concern.
Risk Factors
The risk factors that increase the odds that you will be injured on your motorcycle include all the following:
- Because of your relatively small size, you’re more difficult to spot on the road, and it’s easier for you to disappear in other drivers’ blind spots. To make matters worse, a lot of motorists simply aren’t on the lookout for motorcyclists on the road.
- Your bike requires far less stopping distance on the road than cars and other vehicles do, which leaves you extremely vulnerable to drivers who tailgate.
- While you can really zip around traffic when you’re on your bike, you’re also far more vulnerable to poorly maintained roads, to debris on the road, and to the effects of bad weather.
- Motorists tend to have a more difficult time accurately gauging the speed of oncoming motorcycles, which can put you at greater risk in intersections.
- You have nothing other than your helmet and any safety gear you wear to protect you from the immense impact of a traffic accident.
Addressing Your Losses
The losses you experience in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, and they are generally categorized as follows:
- Property damage to your motorcycle
- Medical expenses that may stretch into your future
- Lost income, which may need to address your lost earning power
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can make your other losses pale in comparison
Your trusted motorcycle accident attorney will ensure that your losses – in their entirety – are well accounted for and will fiercely advocate for compensation that fairly addresses these losses.
An Experienced Pawleys Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney Is on Your Side
The dedicated Pawleys Island, South Carolina, motorcycle accident attorneys at Oxner & Stacy Law Firm LLC have a long and impressive track record for successfully defending the rights of accident victims like you – in focused pursuit of their rightful compensation – and we look forward to also serving you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 866-586-0116 today.