Common Misconceptions about Motorcycle Accidents
One of the challenges in getting compensation after a motorcycle accident is that the judge, jury, and even witnesses all have built-in misconceptions about what causes motorcycle accidents.
Here are some of the common misconceptions about motorcycle accidents and the truth that contradicts them. The statistics here come from two sources: the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study (MCCS) conducted by the Federal Highway Safety Administration (FHSA, also part of the DOT).
Motorcyclists Are Usually Speeding
Most people assume that motorcyclists are usually speeding and that’s why they get into accidents. While we’ve all seen that one kid on a crotch rocket blazing 80 mph on Colorado Boulevard, the statistics show that excessive speeding is not typical in motorcycle accidents. The majority of crashes occur when the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. The average speed of motorcycles prior to an accident is 30.5 mph.
Although motorcycle accidents sometimes occur because they are driving faster than the other vehicle, in 21% of cases, the other vehicle was driving too slow.
Aggressive Motorcycle Driving Causes Most Accidents
Only 25% of motorcycle crashes involved aggressive driving by the motorcyclist. This was mostly a factor in single-vehicle crashes. However, it does contribute to more accidents than the other driver’s aggressive behavior, which only contributed to 8% of multiple-vehicle crashes.
Motorcyclist Errors Cause Most Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcycle aggressive driving contributes to many accidents, it’s not the primary cause of very many motorcycle accidents. Nor are motorcycle errors responsible for most accidents.
Nearly half of all motorcycle accidents are caused by the other driver not seeing a motorcycle (30%) or making a bad driving decision (17%). In comparison, motorcyclist errors of decision (14%), reaction time (12%), or perception (11%) are much less common. It’s worth restating that a driver not seeing a motorcyclist is the primary cause in nearly a third of all motorcycle accidents, almost as much as all motorcyclists’ errors combined.
Motorcyclists Are Often Drunk or Using Drugs
Many people think of motorcyclists as party animals who get drunk or high before they get on their bike and drive while impaired. However, FHSA analysis showed that alcohol or drugs was a factor in just 13% of accidents. Looking at fatal accident statistics in Colorado, impairment by drugs or alcohol was present in 22% of motorcycle accidents, compared to 31% of overall fatal accidents. In other words, car drivers are more likely to be driving while impaired than motorcyclists.
Helmets Increase Accident Risk
Some riders avoid using motorcycle helmets because they think that it will increase their risk of getting into an accident. Often, they see statistics showing that 60% of riders in fatal motorcycle accidents were wearing a helmet and think that helmets increase accident risk. However, since 67% of motorcycle riders wear helmets nationally, the statistic actually shows that motorcyclists wearing helmets are less likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
Helmets Increase Motorcycle Injuries
Other times, people think that helmets can increase injuries in motorcycle accidents. This is not true: FHSA analysis shows that helmets are 88% effective at reducing injuries.
Most Accidents Occur on Long, Rural Drives
People think that going out for a long drive in the country might increase their risk of accidents, but most motorcycle accidents occur on short trips when drivers have traveled less than one mile. In Colorado, 75% of motorcycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas.
People often think of curvy mountain roads as being dangerous for motorcycles, but in Colorado, only 12% of traffic fatalities occur when a vehicle was attempting to negotiate a curve, compared to the national average of 18.6%. Yes, mountain roads are dangerous and deserve your respect, but they are less dangerous than being on city streets with other drivers.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Overcome Misconceptions
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, common misconceptions can make it harder for you to get compensation for your injuries. However, there are strategies to overcome these challenges. Experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney Brian Pushchak has helped many people successfully get the compensation they are due by holding inattentive drivers responsible after a motorcycle accident.
When you work with Pushchak Law, you will benefit from our exclusive Informed Decisions™ Approach. We start by listening to your story in detail. We want to understand what happened and what you hope to achieve. Then we will recommend the best approach to achieve the results you want. We truly care about our clients. That’s why we give you our personal contact information so you can reach us if you have questions, concerns, or decisions about your lawsuit. Although Mr. Pushchak will give you expert advice and direction, you remain in charge of the case. It’s your case and you always have the final say in how to proceed.
If you are looking to get compensation after your motorcycle accident, please contact Pushchak Law today. We serve clients in Denver and the surrounding areas.
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