According to statistics from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, motorcycle users comprise only 3% of all vehicles on the roads of Washington state. However, accidents involving motorcycles account for 15% of all of the fatal accidents in the state and 19% of all serious motor vehicle accidents. That means that approximately one in five motorcycle accidents result in either serious injury or death. The average number of motorcyclists who pass away each year in Washington state is 75.
Riding a motorcycle is known to be a dangerous form of transportation and there are several factors that contribute to that fact, such as not wearing a helmet, riding too fast and riding impaired. One of the big issues for motorcyclists is that they are largely unprotected if an accident occurs and that makes the motorcyclists really vulnerable to serious injuries or worse.
What causes motorcycle accidents?
According to statistics, 75% of all motorcycle fatalities can be attributed to factors that were committed by the motorcyclist. Additionally, 86% of all motorcycle fatalities on sports bikes were also caused by the riders. Over half of all motorcycle accident deaths (57%) involve a motorcyclist who is riding impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. Fifty-one percent of all of the fatalities in motorcycle accidents and 30% of all serious injuries in motorcycle accidents can be attributed to speeding. Ninety-one percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents are male riders.
One of the ways to help bring those numbers down is to educate the people who are involved with motorcycles. If people know more, they will probably be inclined to approach their riding differently and thus help to bring the numbers of fatalities and injuries down from what it is now.
Solid advice from a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney
If you have been in a motorcycle accident or you have lost a loved one as a result of a motorcycle accident and you feel that the accident was caused by a negligent driver, the legal advice of an experienced attorney can really help you to manage your case, protect your rights and get the compensation that you need and that you deserve. Your attorney can walk you through the legal process and can educate about what you are facing and how to handle it in the most effective way possible.