Serving legal needs in Delaware since 1982

Call Us Today!

Spring’s arrival brings increased motorcycle safety concerns

On Behalf of | May 11, 2021 | personal injury

A select group of individuals driving on Delaware’s varied roadways shares a common affinity with peers across the country. And that demographic garners a spotlight just around this time every year, with winter having faded away and summer rapidly approaching.

Today’s post highlights motorcycle riders. Reams of reports and studies underscore just how passionate that group is concerning the joy and freedom they feel when behind the wheel. Legions of bikers are simply hardcore enthusiasts, especially when it comes to getting back out on the road each spring.

As inviting as the pavement is, it also presents safety challenges, and those are notably outsized for bikers and their passengers. Moreover, they are both multiple and obvious, and centrally include these crash catalysts tied to other motorists:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Excessive weaving across lanes
  • Failure to lawfully yield or stop
  • On-board distractions (e.g., cellphones, kids, pets and food)
  • Drunk driving

Those bulleted concerns spell constant perils for bikers and, sadly, they signify just a fraction of other drivers’ negligent and at-fault behaviors that directly cause or contribute to serious roadway accidents involving motorcycles.

The impact on motorcyclists and passengers involved in crashes with larger passenger vehicles is predictable and serious. Outcomes – when not fatal – include catastrophic injuries like these:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Road rash, lacerations and disfigurement
  • Neck, shoulder and back injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord complications, including paralysis

A few sobering stats concerning motorcycle crashes

A recent Forbes article conveys some relevant data bits that starkly underscore the downsides posed for motorcyclists in Delaware and nationally by third-party negligence. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Steady rise in motorcyclist deaths in recent deaths, while “motor vehicle fatalities have dropped almost yearly since the 1950s”
  • Injury risk posed for bikers that is a stunning 22 times higher than for passenger-vehicle occupants
  • Evidence establishing that nearly 70% of accidents involving motorcycles owe to another driver violating a biker’s lawful right-of-way

Taking action following a negligence-tied motorcycle crash

Motorcyclists possess the same rights when out in traffic as do all other motorists. Consequently, they should feel empowered to take prompt and purposeful legal action in the wake of a crash owing to an at-fault driver that addresses accountability and damage recovery.

A proven and results-oriented personal injury attorney can spearhead that effort, helping a client pursue a legal remedy marked by maximum damages applicable to broad-based needs. A recovery can pay for medical costs, recoup lost wages, be applied to future rehabilitative needs, address emotional pain and suffering and more.

Motorcyclists should never feel powerless or overwhelmed in the wake of an accident caused by another individual. They can implement a strong and timely post-crash response through close alliance with an experienced and empathetic personal injury attorney.