Risk of Motorcycle Accidents Increases in Summer Months
Motorcyclists look forward to riding in summer weather all year long – especially in the Pacific Northwest where the weather is so cold and wet several months of the year. While it is certainly fun, it’s important to know that riding a motorcycle comes with its share of risks not shared by other drivers on the road and that summer riding can be especially hazardous. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, a motorcycle driver is 27 times more likely to die in a crash than a car driver and 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death compared to 20 percent of all passenger car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are consistently overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020 alone, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it’s easy for other drivers to miss them in a blind spot or mirror. Adding to the problem, drivers often don’t understand that motorcycles maneuver differently than larger vehicles.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash due to the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today. The injury lawyer can assess the value of your claim, discuss your legal rights, and help you fight for a full and fair settlement for your losses and injuries.
Seasonal factors that add to the risk of motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists are at greater risk than other drivers of losing control in heavy traffic, bad roads, and unfamiliar construction zones. There are several factors that can add to the risk of summer motorcycle accidents, including:
- More teenage (inexperienced) drivers on the roads with school out*
- More traffic congestions because of vacations and road trips*
- More active construction zones that create bumps, sudden stops, and potential debris in the roadway that can be very dangerous to motorcyclists
- More motorcycles on the road due to warmer, drier weather
*Because a lot of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who don’t see motorcycles or who don’t understand the way motorcycles move through traffic, increased congestion and teenage drivers dramatically increase risks for motorcyclists.
Bellingham motorcycle accident leaves two injured
As reported by Whatcom-News.com, responders were dispatched to the intersection of Anderson Lake Road and Reese Hill Road about 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 due to a report of an injury crash involving a motorcycle.
According to a press memo released by the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred when a 2015 Yamaha motorcycle was riding northbound on Reese Hill Road and a 2021 Toyota 4Runner pulled out of a driveway to head southbound. The Yamaha motorcycle struck the Toyota and went down an embankment.
While the Toyota driver was not injured, both the motorcycle rider and passenger were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. It was determined that both were wearing USDOT-compliant helmets at the time of the crash but it was unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved. The cause of the accident remained under investigation as of the writing of this article.
Seek the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced motorcycle accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
