Approximately around 75% of all the motorcycle accidents are the result of a collision with another vehicle, typically passenger cars. Out of this percentage, a staggering 65% is due to the fact that the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorbike. These situations are most often encountered at night, which is obviously when the riders are most vulnerable.
Unfortunately the age when you are more likely to have an accident is between 16 and 24 and 96% of these are male. Surprising bad weather is only involved in 2% of motorcycle accidents. In road traffic accidents it is proven that motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of being seriously injured or killed and road traffic accidents that involve motorcycle riders have been on the increase since 1997.
People who use motorcycles are at a greater risk of being involved in a road traffic accident due to the fact that motorcycle riders have to be aware of issues that don’t affect cars. One prime example of this is a defective road surface; this could be the result of bad weather, pot holes or spills and objects in the road; if a motorcyclist comes into contact with these there is a likely chance that the bike will skid, often causing the rider to fall. This is due to the fact a motorcyclist is facing these problems with two wheels as oppose to four.
Two other aspects that are common when it comes to motorcycle accidents are filtering and undertaking. Filtering is where a motorcyclist was overtaking outside or between lines of traffic and was struck by a car or lorry. Undertaking is where a motorcyclist is struck while legally undertaking. These accidents usually occur through driver error, in other words when the driver of a car or lorry failed to see the motorcyclist due to not checking their mirrors or blind spots correctly.
Motorcycle road traffic accidents can cause horrific injury to the rider involved. The injuries that are sustained during a motorcycle accident are usually far more severe than if the accident had involved two cars or a lorry. This is because a motorcyclist only has a helmet and protective clothing to prevent injury; they are highly exposed so if they are struck by a car it is not only the bike that gets hit.
Everything possible should be done by a motorcyclist to keep them safe whilst on the road and to make sure that they are visible to other road users. Also other vehicles on the road should ensure that they correctly check their mirrors for any motorcyclists before moving off from a junction or overtaking any vehicles.
If you are a motorcyclist who has been involved in a road traffic accident in the last three years then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. It is your right to make a claim for compensation after suffering from a motorcycle accident that was caused through no fault of your own. So get in touch with a solicitor today who will be able to assess your case and start your compensation claim today.
Helen is the web master of Accident Consult, who are specialists in all aspects of
Motorcycle accidents.
