When you purchase your first motorcycle, the thrill of the open road is all you might be thinking about. Feeling the wind on your face as you head out of town for the day is a big reason why so many people buy motorcycles. It is a fun way to tour the country and a great way to bond with friends. However, riding a motorcycle is also inherently dangerous. Unlike cars, there are no steel cages, seat belts, or airbags to protect you when an accident occurs. There is very little between you and the pavement below.
Motorcyclists rarely think that they will be the ones to get into an accident. However, studies show that many motorcyclists will suffer an injury in a motorcycle accident at some point in their riding future. Minor accidents often go unreported, and motorcyclists bounce back quickly from many of those. However, more serious motorcycle accidents are often reported because of the injuries and damages that occur.
To determine your risk of getting into a motorcycle accident, you must look at the percentage of motorcyclists who get into a crash. Statistics compiled by the Insurance Information Institute (III) is a good place to start when examining crash data. You can also look at the CDC, the NHTSA, and the IIHS as well.
According to the III, 104,000 motorcyclists suffered an injury in crashes in 2016. In 2017, that number dropped to 89,000. In 2017, 8.7 million motorcycles were registered in the United States. That means that roughly one percent of all riders suffered an injury in a crash that year.
Will you be one of those who suffer a motorcycle injury?
It is impossible to determine if you will be one of the unlucky motorcyclists who suffer an injury in a motorcycle accident. There are many factors that are out of your control, such as the behavior of other drivers and road conditions.
Yet, motorcyclists in Colorado Springs can reduce the risk of getting into a serious motorcycle accident by following these tips:
- Wear a DOT approved helmet when riding
- Always wear proper motorcycle gear
- Wear eye protection
- Wear leathers, including boots
- Wear brightly colored and reflective clothes
- Take a motorcycle safety course routinely
- Avoid riding in extreme weather conditions
- Never drink and drive
- Avoid riding while fatigued or under the influence of OTC drugs
- Ride defensively
What Happens When a Motorcycle Crash Occurs
When a motorcycle accident does occur, it is important to remain calm and seek medical help. Call 911 immediately or have another driver do so if you are injured. The police will arrive at the scene and fill out a police report. In addition, calling 911 will alert medical teams to your location, so you can get emergency medical treatment quickly. The accident report and medical evaluation are critical components to filing a claim after a motorcycle accident.
In addition, be sure to keep a journal of your recovery. Include details about all appointments, pain levels, and medication needed. This can help you establish intangible damages, such as pain and suffering.
It is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can after your crash. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will need to begin building a case quickly. This includes gathering evidence and performing a thorough investigation into the accident.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, it is important to act quickly. Contact Schofield & Green Law today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. We are experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle accident lawyers who have helped injured bikers collect millions after serious injury accidents. Call us today!
