Fatal Alabama motorcycle accidents are far too common. Motorcycle riders have a significantly higher risk of dying in accidents because they do not have any external protection like passenger vehicles have. If you or your loved one has been injured or killed in an Alabama motorcycle accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. You may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Under Alabama law, victims are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver who caused their injuries.
How Many People Die in Motorcycle Accidents Every Year?
A recent report shows that the proportion of people who died while “outside the vehicle” has increased significantly. Those outside the vehicle include pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonoccupants. Not surprisingly, the deaths of those outside the vehicle when the accident happened rose from 20% in 1996 to a high of 34% in 2018.
Additionally, from 2009 to 2019, motorcycle fatalities have increased by 33%. This increase could be due to more highly populated urban centers. The higher the population of pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passenger vehicle drivers, the higher the chance of fatal motorcycle accidents. Countrywide, nearly 5,000 motorcycle drivers and passengers died as a result of collisions.
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Fatality Rates Related to Motorcycle Accidents
Another important statistic to consider is related to fatality rates. The fatality rate looks at the number of fatalities in proportion to the overall number of accidents. The fatality rate for motorcycle riders was 30% in 2009. In 2018, the fatality rate was 14%. When it comes to statistics regarding occupants or non-occupants, the statistics are relatively similar.
Alcohol Ii a Leading Factor in Many Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
In the United States, 1,295 fatal motorcycle accidents happened in 2018. Over 36,000 fatalities happened because of alcohol-impaired drivers that year. While van drivers had the most significant decrease in alcohol-impaired fatalities, Motorcycle riders had the second-highest decrease in deaths caused by alcohol impairment overall.
Surprisingly, nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol intoxication. When a driver or motorcyclist has been drinking alcohol, they lack the focus and attention needed to avoid serious collisions.
The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration defines an alcohol-impaired driving fatality as a fatality in a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle operator or passenger vehicle driver who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.
Motorcyclists are Particularly at Risk of Suffering Fatal Injuries
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to suffering fatal injuries in crashes. Anyone on a motorcycle should operate the vehicle as responsibly as possible by doing the following:
- Following posted speed limits
- Not driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
- Wearing a helmet
- Obeying all other traffic laws
Other Motorcycle Accident Statistics
59% of females who die in motorcycle accidents were riding as passengers. Keep in mind, however, that passenger-carrying motorcycles are not involved in motorcycle accidents as often as those with single riders. Out of all fatal motorcycle accidents, 91% of the bikers who died were men. In 2017, nearly 36% of motorcyclists who died were age 50 or older, and only 28% of those killed were under the age of 30 when the accident occurred.
Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen on weekends. Many accidents happen while motorcyclists are going on a short trip, typically at the beginning of the trip. Weather does not play a role in 98% of motorcycle accidents. The majority, 75%, of motorcycle accidents involve other motor vehicles, while 25% of accidents only involve the motorcycle.
Over two out of three of all single-vehicle, fatal motorcycle accidents are because of rider errors, including using excessive speed, taking curves too quickly, or over-braking. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are due to road conditions, such as roadway damage, pavement ridges, and potholes.
Nearly two out of every three multi-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle includes another passenger vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents is a lack of attention of the other driver. Intersections are typically where fatal motorcycle accidents happen. In many cases, another vehicle will violate the right-of-way rules, or other traffic rules, resulting in a dangerous, fatal collision.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Nearly half of all motorcycle accidents in the United States cause thigh, foot, knee, or lower-leg or ankle injuries. While the use of protecting clothing reduces the likelihood of open-wound injuries, even motorcyclists who are completely covered in protective gear are at risk of suffering severe injuries.
Nearly 75% of motorcyclists involved in accidents were not wearing any type of protective eyewear. In most of these cases, the wind caused a delayed ability to detect hazards and impaired vision. Despite warnings about the hazards of not wearing a helmet, only 66% of those involved in an accident were wearing a helmet. Even those with a helmet can suffer traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Spinal cord injuries, severe burns, laceration, and “road rash” are other common types of injuries commonly suffered by motorcyclists.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits After an Alabama Motorcycle Accident
Has your loved one been injured or killed in an Alabama motorcycle accident? If so, your loved one’s estate may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person whose negligence caused your loved one’s death. Nothing can bring your loved one back, but by filing a wrongful death lawsuit, your loved one’s estate can recover medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses stemming from your loved one’s death.
Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Speaking to an Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer is one of the best things you can do after becoming injured. At Heninger Garrison Davis, we have a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation from our clients. Contact us today to schedule your free, initial consultation to learn how we can fight for your right to compensation.
