Motorcycle Accident Severity

 Posted on December 11, 2018 in Catastrophic Injuries

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity if you consider how fast vehicles are moving, possible road hazards, and how careless other people are when they drive. However, modern automobiles have made great strides in safety features which protect drivers and their passengers. Not all of these safety features can be present on every vehicle on the road, such as motorcycles. Even though motor vehicle safety has improved tremendously over the last 20 years, statistics for morbidity and personal injury in motorcycle accidents has remained about the same or increased because there is only so much motorcycle manufacturers can do to improve the safety of their products.

Injury Cost

Motorcycle collisions are more costly to treat than car collisions. According to a study done by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), the difference is about $4,569 to treat injuries over a period of two years after collision for motorcycle accidents. The figure for car accidents over that same period was $2,349. The difference in medical costs could be because there are fewer safety features and protection in a motorcycle, so if there is a crash a person is more likely to hit the road or other vehicle themselves instead of the car hitting it.

Injury Rate

The study by CMAJ also found quite a difference in the difference in injury rate between motorcycles and automobiles. The motorcycle injury rate was 2,194 people out of every 100,000 registered owners, but the car owner injury rate was only 718 people out of 100,000 registered owners. The increased injury rate for motorcycles can again be attributed to the fact that there is less protection between their bodies and the object they are hitting. Helmets will help protect your head, which is important, but many motorcyclists do not wear other protective padding on their bodies.

Preventing Injury

Motorcycle crashes are more likely to injure the drivers according to the study done by CMAJ, but steps can still be taken to reduce the risk of injury. Wearing a helmet is one of the most important safety measures that can be taken, along with following speed limits, and being extra conscious of drivers around you. Many motorists may have a hard time seeing motorcycles because they are smaller than a car, so keep that in mind when driving a motorcycle as well.

Contact a Helpful DuPage County Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision and wish to seek compensation, our skilled Wheaton personal injury attorneys can work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. will provide you with compassionate and knowledgeable care for your case. Contact us at 630-665-5678 to set up a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.cmaj.ca/content/189/46/E1410

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-injuries-vehicular/motorcycle-crashes-cause-far-more-severe-injuries-than-car-accidents-idUSKBN1DM22S