When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a motorcycle, it is the motorcyclist who loses. In 2014, there were 4,586 motorcycle fatalities on American roads. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a car, they are 27 more likely to be killed, and five times more likely to be injured in the collision.With approximately 8.5 million motorcycles in the United States, the fatality rates are poised to continue increasing. Of those who were killed in 2014, 39% were not wearing helmets. During that same period, a further 92,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents. This was an increase of 4.5% from 2013. Those at greatest risk are riders 40-years old or older. In fact, older cyclists account for more than half of the total number of fatalities each year.
Reno car accident attorneys know that the fault in a motorcycle/automobile collision can be the case of either the driver or the cyclist. Most recently, a motorcyclist who was speeding hit a median on North Virginia Street. The impact threw the rider from his motorcycle and into the path of an oncoming car. The accident caused severe injuries to the cyclist, while the driver of the automobile was unharmed. Currently, police are investigating whether the motorcyclist was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Speed and alcohol are important factors contributing to a significant number of motorcycle fatalities. Speed is listed as a contributing factor in 33% of all fatal motorcycle crashes. This is considerably higher than rates for drivers of passenger cars where only 20% of crashes list speed as a contributing factor.
In regard to alcohol, 29% of motorcyclists who were involved in fatal collisions in 2014 had blood alcohol concentrations in excess of .08%. Comparatively, only 22% of drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal collisions during this time period were under the influence.
In order to reduce the number of fatalities on Nevada’s roads, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets while riding. Moreover, motorists are required to provide motorcyclists with the same care and right away that they would to other automobiles. When an accident occurs, the police will thoroughly investigate the causes and contributing factors of a crash when assigning fault. Those who are at fault for causing the accident may be held liable for the property damage and personal injuries the accident causes.