How Common Are Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities?

 Posted on November 16, 2018 in Motorcycle Accidents

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries while riding motorcycles. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to severe injuries in a collision, due in large part to the small size of their vehicles and the lack of protection offered to motorcyclists and their passengers. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise throughout the United States. If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you receive full compensation for the injuries you have suffered. 

Motorcycle Injuries Throughout the United States 

In 2016, motorcycle fatalities throughout the United States rose by more than 5% in comparison to 2015. The 5,286 fatal motorcycle collisions that occurred that year marked the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since 2008. As mentioned above, motorcyclists have limited protection in comparison to travelers within standard passenger vehicles. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA states that motorcyclists are more than 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision than passengers within automobiles. Despite the fact that helmets can often make the difference between life and death in a motorcycle collision, a large percentage of motorcyclists choose to not wear a helmet. In 2016, approximately 60% of all motorcyclists killed in collisions were not wearing helmets. 

Motorcycle Collisions in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, motorcycle accidents and fatalities are much more common than most people would like to assume. Throughout 2016, over 2,600 Illinoisan motorcyclists suffered injuries that required hospitalization. Approximately 150 of those severely injured motorcyclists ultimately suffered fatal injuries. Despite the fact that motorcycle accidents only accounted for 1% of all motor vehicle collisions throughout Illinois, fatal motorcycle injuries made up 15% of all statewide traffic fatalities in 2016. 

Contact a Plainfield Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured while traveling on a motorcycle, it is time for you contact an attorney that you can trust. Attorney Dan Flaherty has years of experience helping those involved in motor vehicle collisions receive the financial support they deserve in the aftermath of an accident. High speed motor vehicle accidents can lead to chronic injuries, expensive medical bills, and significant loss of work hours. In these cases, you deserve to receive financial compensation from the party or parties whose negligence led to your injuries. To set up a free consultation with a Will County motorcycle accident attorney, call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2016%20Crash%20Facts.pdf