Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to the dangers of the road than those traveling by car or truck. They are more at risk of being victims of reckless or distracted drivers who may be unaware of their presence on the road. Especially in the summer months, as 66% of North Carolina motorcycle accidents occurred between May and September in 2017, it is important that four wheeled drivers are aware of their two wheeled drivers counterparts.
In addition to being away of other drivers, it is also important for motorcyclists to be more alert while driving. They are more susceptible to hazards such as potholes, manholes and slick roads. According to the 2017 North Carolina Crash Facts released by the Division of Motor Vehicles, 3,611 motorcycle accidents occurred throughout the year. Of those 3,611 accidents, 3,434 (95% of all accidents) resulted in injuries with 141 having fatal results.
The majority of these accidents are of no fault to the motorcycle rider. Negligent drivers are often at fault in motorcycle accidents for being unreasonably careless or violating safety rules. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents where the other driver is negligent include:
- Distracted drivers who are unaware of the motorcyclist
- Drivers pulling out in front of the motorcyclist
- Misjudging the speed of the motorcyclist or misjudging the distance between their car and the motorcycle
- Following too close behind the motorcycle driver (tailgating)
- Drivers who are speeding and unable to stop in time before hitting the motorcycle rider
Injuries suffered by motorcyclists are usually much more severe that those experience by the driver of the car. When not fatal, motorcycle collisions can result in serious injuries including internal bleeding or bruising, broken bones, neck and back injuries, and head or traumatic brain injuries. Motorcycle riders are always advised at minimum to wear full protective gear. North Carolina state law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, however, it is in the best interest of the rider to utilize other safety ware.
A Durham motorcycle accident that results in serious injury could change your life. Injuries often put riders out of work while they recover and leave them struggling to pay medical bills. At Wallace Pierce Law we believe those injured, at no fault of their own, are entitled to proper compensation. Contact your Durham car accident lawyers at Wallace Pierce Law to further discuss your personal injury claim.