Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, but it is not without unique and significant risks. Being exposed to the open air, a motorcyclist is less shielded than drivers and passengers in other types of motor vehicles, and is, therefore, more likely to sustain more serious injuries in a crash. According to injury facts from the NSC, motorcycles make up only three percent of all registered vehicles and 0.7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, yet motorcyclists accounted for 14.6 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3.5 percent of all injuries in 2022.
Although negligent drivers are responsible for most motorcycle crashes, other crashes are single-vehicle incidents where the motorcyclist loses control and gets thrown into traffic. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced, local motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation.
Risks of Losing Control of a Motorcycle
In 2021, more than 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in the US, according to data collected by the Insurance Information Institute. While the exact number of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents is not known, these single-vehicle crashes are often fatal or result in life-changing injuries because there is no barrier between the motorcyclist and the road.
Common factors for losing control of a motorcycle:
- According to NHTSA reports, speeding was a factor in 33 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities in 2021, and this is further amplified when traveling on a curved or narrow road or in wet weather conditions.
- Riding through sharp turns or winding roads is one of the most common causes of motorcyclists losing control of their bikes.
- Rain and wet surfaces can make it very hard for a rider to maneuver a motorcycle because motorcycles are much more prone to losing traction than cars or trucks. Even light rain will make roads slick, and even a small amount of water can cause motorcyclists to lose traction and skid or hydroplane.
- Riders who hit debris on the road have a high chance of losing control of their motorcycle, because striking objects can cause a rider to lose traction.
- Riders with less than five years’ experience have a greater likelihood of losing control in more challenging situations as they refine their riding skills. Inexperience can be especially dangerous when new riders try to ride a high-powered motorcycle that can be harder to control.
What to do When Losing Control of a Motorcycle?
If you start to lose control of your motorcycle, rapid decisive action can reduce the risk of serious injuries and possibly get you out of trouble. Here are some important tips:
- Stay calm and keep a loose grip
- Gradually reduce speed
- Lean with the bike, not away from it
- Avoid sudden movements
- Keep your eyes where you want to go
- Prepare to straighten the bike when it is safe to do so
- Stay aware of road conditions
Motorcyclist Killed in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident Early Halloween Morning
As reported by komonews.com, a 20-year-old man was killed after hitting a barrier on I-5 early Thursday morning. According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), the motorcyclist was traveling north on I-5 in Bellingham around 12:30 a.m. when he lost control on a curve and swerved off the road. The rider collided with a barrier on the left shoulder, which threw him off his motorcycle before landing two lanes over.
Investigators are still determining if drugs or alcohol were factors in the accident. The WSP confirmed the man was wearing a helmet at the time and was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, where he later passed away. Authorities closed all lanes of northbound I-5 and one lane of southbound I-5 to clear the scene and provide medical assistance.
Seek Help From a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured by a car while riding, it is vital to report the accident to the police and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the accident scene if you can and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a motorcycle accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in 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!
