Our attorneys break down motorcycle accident statistics.

You do your best to avoid motorcycle accidents but the chances are you'll have to narrowly avoid a driver putting on makeup, or texting if you ride long enough. Out all of the traffic accident fatalities, motorcycles made up 9% of them, even though motorcyclists only make up 3% of the total drivers on the road. We of course hope that you never become a statistic, but if you do, you're going to need an attorney that has the experience to get you the compensation you deserve.

In this article we'll break down motorcycle accident statics and how to avoid becoming part of those statistics.

Questions answered in this article:

• What is the fatality injury rates for motorcyclists?
• How can I do my best to not to become a part of those rates?
• How will an attorney help me after an accident?

Texas motorcycle accident statistics:

Texas is one of the leaders in motorcycle injuries and fatalities. This is due to the fact that we have a huge population of riders and miles upon miles of roads. Further, the fall and winter seasons are mild compared to other states, allowing motorcyclists to ride almost all year round.

These statistics will give you a good idea of how dangerous it can be for motorcyclists out on Texas highways:

• There were 463 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) killed in 2014. Fifty percent (50%) of motorcyclists killed were not wearing
  helmets at the time of the crash.

   

• Of those fatalities, 231 were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
• There were 2,022 accidents that resulted in incapacitating injures, 982 of those without a helmet.
• In total, there were 9,645 people that were injured or killed on Texas roadways as either drivers or passengers on motorcycles.

  The age breakdown shows a trend that those between the ages of 18-30 make up a large chunk of the motorcycle accidents. This likely is due to the fact that younger people are more likely to engage in risky riding behavior. Also, younger riders are obviously less experienced, thus, less likely to navigate hairy riding situations properly than older riders.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a part of these statistics.

• Do your homework before you buy:

  When buying a motorcycle, be honest with yourself. A 175-horsepower 2016 Honda CBR 1000RR may get the adrenaline flowing, but that type of beast requires years of riding experience. Even the most experienced rider would be hard pressed to reach the maximum limits of that type of machine.

  That doesn't mean that you can't buy a fun motorcycle. But maybe start on a 250cc or 600cc motorcycle to get your feet wet. You're not stuck with it forever. There's no reason that you can't move up to liter-bike territory with more experience.

• Be careful when buying used:

  One of the greatest things about motorcycling is how darn cheap it is. You'll be able to get 50+ miles-per-gallon, the maintenance costs are very minimal, and even the purchase price for a brand new motorcycle is likely half of the cheapest car of the same year. Buying a used motorcycle is the best deal of all. The previous owner hopefully took meticulous care of it and documented every chain adjustment, oil change, and valve job.

  This scenario is rare, unfortunately. So make sure when you go shopping to bring a friend or relative that has plenty of experience riding to point out the red flags that may compromise your safety.

• Check and double check everything before you ride:

  There is such a razor thin line between a beautiful day riding and ending up on the pavement. Make sure to do a quick walk-around every time you ride. This should really only take a minute. You'll be looking for things such as: uneven tire wear, your chain wear and tightness, the condition of your headlights and turn signals, and a quick inspection of your brake lines. It is also recommended that you check your tire pressure frequently and be on the lookout for any fluid leaks. Even a few drops of oil on your rear tire can cause braking distances to increase dramatically

• Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course:

  This is required to get your license anyways, so just do it. You'll learn how to navigate sketchy situations that you may have never practiced for before. It is also a great idea to take their more advanced courses as you progress throughout your riding career. Even a few local track days at the local racing venue will help you develop the muscle memory required to respond to a dangerous situation on the road.

After an accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

Here at Grossman Law Offices we've been fighting for motorcyclists to get the compensation they deserve for over 25 years. So, we want to make sure that you have the tools in your tool belt to fight negligent drivers and get compensation for those medical bills and lost wages. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident with a negligent driver, give us a call today: (855) 326-0000. If we don't win your case, you don't owe us a cent.

Related Articles For Further Reading:

• How Motorcycle Insurance Works Following an Accident
• Why You Should Not Settle Your Case Prematurely
• How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
• Texas Drunk Driving Statistics