Driving a motorcycle is truly a unique situation compared to other driving experiences. You get a freedom and a rush that most other drivers will not encounter. You get the luxury of a fast, and fuel-efficient vehicle that can maneuver in and out of congested traffic. With all the perks, however, exist dangers that face every motorcyclist. Two factors that lead to the dangerous nature of motorcycles are the absence of a protected covering and the lack of visibility among other drivers. An absence of a protected covering puts the motorcyclist at a high risk for serious injury when in an accident. Visibility can be difficult for other drivers because they often do not expect to see and can overlook a motorcyclist that is approaching them.

The latest report done by the NHTSA showed that in 2004 76,000 people were injured and 4,000 people were killed by motorcycle accidents in the United States. Of the fatal accidents, 50% were caused by a collision with another vehicle. 36% of fatal accidents involved speeding, 34% involved alcohol, and 24% involved people driving with an invalid license.

Incredibly, 80% of motorcycle accidents end in death compared to 20% of car accidents. In 2003, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were 23 times more likely than a car drivers to die in an vehicle accident.

In California, the law imposes a statute of limitations which sets a maximum amount of time that legal proceedings can occur after the date of the incident. Each year at our law offices, people call me to ask me for help that have legitimate cases, only to find their statute of limitations has run out. It is one of the most difficult things for me to tell them I can’t help because they waited too long. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses and suffering. Please call me at the Law Offices of Moseley Collins for advice and help.