Because of the already unstable nature of riding a motorcycle, the injury and fatality rates of motorcycle riders is higher than for car drivers. Motorcycles are harder for the average car or truck driver to see and are more likely to be involved in an accident.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycles and other two-wheel vehicle sales increased in 2008, adding approximately 1,087,000 more units to 7.1 million bikes already on the road in 2007. Because more people are riding motorcycles, fatalities have increased each year over the last 10 years. There were 5,154 deaths in 2007 alone. Overall, approximately 123,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2007 (these include property damage only crashes). Because there is limited protection for the driver, a motorcycle operator is 35 times more likely to die in an accident per mile traveled when compared to car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With those sobering statistics in mind, a motorcycle crash is extremely serious business. If you were involved in one, contact Ledger & Associates.
