Frequently Asked Questions - Are There More Motorcycle Accidents Than Car Accidents?
The difference between motorcycle accidents versus vehicle accidents are just a little higher. Roughly about 30 percent more accidents are caused by motorcycle riders than vehicle drivers. Motorcycles can be a little more trickier to control sometimes due to their fast speed. While some vehicle drivers tend to sometimes not pay enough attention to their surroundings, it is generally motorcycle riders who cause more accidents due to many factors.
Although most motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, some motorcycle are caused by operator error, especially with inexperienced motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are hard to get the hang of at first for most people and they require several hours of training. Most states require motorcycle riders to take motorcycle classes for a certain amount of hours before they can apply for their motorcycle license. This is to make sure that all motorcycle riders get the experience they need and the knowledge they need in order to be the safest they can be not only for themselves, but also to protect other drivers on the road. Most motorcycle classes are pretty inexpensive and when it comes to safety, it always pays to be as prepared and experienced as possible before setting out on the road as a new motorcycle rider. Even if the state you live in does not require a certain amount of training prior to obtaining your motorcycle license, it is always a good idea to invest in as much training as you can get prior to getting on your motorcycle and learning as you go. This is the best way to end up in an accident or in the hospital or worse, in the morgue. Motorcycle instructors will teach you the basics of how to ride your motorcycle, how to stop in an emergency and what to do and what not to do on the road to remain safe. They also teach you how to stay cautious of other drivers and that maintaining a safe distance and speed can help save your life and the life of others on the road. Traffic safety is so important to everyone, but the right amount of training will help you feel more confident on the road and better equipped to deal with an array of situations that could present themselves.
Speed is the number one factor when it comes to avoiding a motorcycle accident. If you are going well over the posted speed limit, it will be unlikely that you are able to stop in time if the person on you slams on their brakes. If you are riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic, you may get the urge to speed past all those other vehicles in front of you to get in front of the traffic. This is a great way to cause an accident. You should always remain patient in traffic and understand that you getting to your destination safely trumps you getting into an accident and possibly losing your life in the process. Speed limits are posted for a reason and just because you have the ability to speed past all the other vehicles, doesn’t mean you should do it. A well experienced motorcycle rider will tell you that the ride is all about the experience, not the thrill you get from going as fast as possible. If you want to experience a fast ride, go ride a roller coaster, but while you are riding your motorcycle on the road, you have a duty to be as cautious as possible not only to save your own life but everyone else around you.
Driving in inclement weather is another factor which contributes to a lot of motorcycle accidents. Not only is it extremely difficult to see during a rain storm, the roads become wet and slick and while you are riding your motorcycle with only two wheels, wet slippery road can be a dangerous hazard. It is much easier for a motorcycle rider to skid out of control than a vehicle which has four wheels. If you lose control of your motorcycle on a wet road, you could slide into another vehicle or possibly in front of another vehicle and end up being ran over, especially in heavy traffic. If you must ride your motorcycle in the rain, stay as far apart from the vehicle in front of you as possible and try to drive the speed limit or a little under. Speeding on a wet road is extremely dangerous and will more than likely end up in a pretty bad accident. If you maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you, you are much more able to slow your motorcycle should that vehicle suddenly slam on their brakes. If you were too close to the vehicle in front of you and they ended up braking for traffic, the wet road could cause you to skid into the rear of that vehicle if your brakes locked up. If you can avoid riding your motorcycle in the rain, it is very advisable to do so. Motorcycle riders are vulnerable while riding on the road, especially in the rain, as they do not have the protection surrounding them like vehicle drivers do. There are no doors, roofs, nothing to protect them from the elements.
If you are involved in an accident caused by a motorcycle rider, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain your rights and your benefits under Florida law, and advise you how to best proceed with your claim. If you are a motorcycle rider who was involved in an auto accident, some laws are different for you opposed to someone who was driving a regular vehicle. You should be aware that in the State of Florida, motorcycle riders are not afforded Personal Injury Protection coverage so any medical bills that you incur will remain outstanding. If you find yourself in this situation, contacting a persona injury attorney who can explain your benefits to you could be the best thing you can do.
