Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Are Far Too Common Nationwide

 Posted on October 10, 2018 in Car Accident

Every year, thousands of motorcyclists throughout the United States suffer fatal injuries in accidents. Here in northern Colorado, we witness far too many fatal motorcycle accidents on an annual basis. Recently, a 37-year-old woman was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins. The motorcycle was a two-person Harley Davidson, and when it collided with another vehicle, both motorcycle passengers were severely hurt, and the female passenger ultimately died. The accident reminded every Colorado native of the dangers that motorcyclists face when sharing the road with other vehicles. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should take steps to understand your options for pursuing financial compensation. 

Motorcycle Accidents Nationwide 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 5,000 American motorcyclists died in 2017. While this statistic marks a slight decrease in motorcycle fatalities on a national scale, motorcyclists are still much more likely to suffer fatal injuries than drivers or passengers of automobiles. In fact, motorcyclists are 28% more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle collision than those traveling in a standard motor vehicle. Despite the fact that motorcyclists make up a small number of all highway users, they accounted for approximately 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2017. Next time you ride a motorcycle, ride with caution. 

Remaining Safe on Your Motorcycle

While there is no guarantee of safety while riding a motorcycle, there are a few steps you can take to help decrease your chances of serious injury. The first step you can take is riding responsibly. Do not recklessly pass drivers on corners or double lines. Recognize that you are not as visible as a standard automobile, and avoid drivers’ blind spots. 

The most important thing you can do to increase your safety is to wear a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets saved the lives of just under 2,000 motorcyclists in 2016, and it is estimated that an additional 800 lives could have been saved if the riders were wearing their helmets. Whenever you ride your motorcycle, be sure to wear a helmet. 

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer 

Due to the small stature and limited protection provided by motorcycles, there is a much higher likelihood that you or a loved one could be severely injured in a collision. For years, our attorneys have been dedicated to helping those injured in motor vehicle collisions obtain financial compensation that addresses the damages that they have suffered. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we understand just how difficult it can be to recover from a serious injury, and we will work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve. To set up a free consultation with a Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney, call us today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

https://www.denverpost.com/2018/10/07/fatal-motorcycle-collision-fort-collins/

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/mc/index.html

https://www.ghsa.org/resources/spotlight-motorcyclists18