If you call the Pacific Northwest home, you understand that the area has a lot of natural beauty. It is hard to describe the sights you might see on Highway 112 and the freedom you feel on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, with that freedom comes risk. Washington data shows that riders face worse motorcycle accident outcomes.
The state data regarding severe outcomes
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission analyzed motor vehicle accident data from 2013 to 2017. The data shows that motorcycles represent 3% of drivers, but across these 5 years, an average of 15% of all driver fatalities and almost 20% of major injuries were motorcyclists. The lowest amount of motorcycle rider fatalities recorded from 2005 to 2016 was nearly 70 riders, or about one rider every five days.
Dangerous outcomes more common
So, while motorcyclists represent less than 5% of all motorists, motorcycle riders are significantly overrepresented in both deaths and major bodily injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or broken bones.
This proves that while we share the road, we do not share equality the negative outcomes.
What if you are injured by another driver’s negligence?
There are many people who may see motorcyclists as the at-fault party in an accident, but driving a motorcycle in Seattle, Everett, Tacoma or Reddington, does not make you a negligent driver.
Drivers who act negligently, either by ignoring traffic laws, driving distracted or under the influence, are the ones driving irresponsibly. If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, a personal injury attorney can be an asset when you are asserting your right to recover damages.