Arizona motorcycle riders might be interested in learning about the various causes of and injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. Although the number of motorcycle accidents in the country decreased 6.4 percent from 2012 to 2013, and the number of motorcyclists injured decreased 5.4 percent for the same period, motorcyclists still have a 26-percent higher chance of dying in an accident than people riding in vehicles for each mile travelled. According to the NHTSA, 4,668 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2013, and 88,000 were injured. The reasons include an increased number of motorcycles on the road, motorcycles’ crash worth, which is less than larger vehicles, as well as their smaller size, which makes it harder for pedestrian and other drivers to see motorcyclists on the road.
Speeding, alcohol abuse and lack of proper licensing were all factors involved in motorcycle accidents. In cases where alcohol consumption was a factor, there also seemed to be a higher incidence of not wearing a helmet. In addition, older drivers also might be affected by loss of vision, slower reflexes and the types of heavier and bulkier bikes they choose to ride. However, in about two-thirds of accidents involving another vehicle, the motorcyclist’s right of way was violated by the other driver.
The types of serious injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents also seem to be affected by age, although injuries seem to be increasing for all group ages over 20, as shown by a report from researchers at Brown University. Injuries commonly experienced by riders included dislocations and injuries such as brain damage.
If a motorcyclist in Arizona is involved in an accident, they might seek the advice of a lawyer who might inform them about their rights. A lawyer might be able to offer assistance in how to legally proceed in recovering damages experienced by the injured motorcyclist.