There has been a steady increase of motorcycle riders in Washington state in recent years. Motorcycles are inexpensive, small and fuel efficient, giving people good reason to use them as a primary mode of transportation.
The feeling of freedom and fun that one experiences when they ride motorcycles can come at a significant cost, however. With the increase in riders on the road, accidents have expectedly also increased.
Accidents involving motorcycles have the ability to kill riders even if the accident itself isn’t high speed. The normal safety mechanisms that a driver of a car has simply don’t exist for motorcycle riders.
A fair number of riders even refuse to wear helmets! If you are wondering how dangerous motorcycles really are, then continue on to learn more about motorcycle accidents in the state of Washington.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In this set of data, we look at Washington motorcycle accident statistics for the 5-year period from 2014-2018. Did you know that there were increases in a number of major statistics relating to motorcycle accidents? Some of the most eye-opening numbers include increases in:
- Fatal crashes by over 15%
- Crashes that result in serious injury by over 11%
- Crashes where the rider was run off the road by over 17%
- Crashes involving a lane departure by over 17%
During this period of time, statistics show that there are approximately 440 motorcycle accidents yearly that result in a serious injury or death.
Across the United States, motorcycle riders are almost 30 times more likely to die than regular automobile drivers. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, then it is important that you speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
What Makes Riding a Motorcycle So Dangerous?
Motorcycles by nature put riders at a higher baseline level of risk for injuries when compared to cars and other vehicles on the road. Any minor mistake riding a motorcycle can have serious or even fatal consequences.
Riding a motorcycle is also a much more physical and involved activity when compared to driving a vehicle. Because of this, riders must maintain a healthy amount of self-discipline and awareness when they ride. Many people (even though they shouldn’t) are able to somehow text and drive a vehicle without getting into accidents.
This type of move is incredibly dangerous on a motorcycle for obvious reasons. Those who do not take the necessary safety precautions before and during riding are infinitely more likely to be involved in a serious motorcycle accident.
Do not ever assume that other drivers on the road see you or are willing to get out of your way. Your actions as a motorcycle operator can have a significant impact on whether or not you will face dangers on the road. Even with the necessary precautions, motorcycle accidents can still occur for a number of reasons.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There is a seemingly endless list of situations that cause motorcycle accidents. The 10 most common causes of motorcycles accidents include:
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Dangerous lane changes
- Car doors
- Someone stopping suddenly
- Lane splitting
- Motorcycle equipment defects
- Dangerous conditions on the road
- Left-turn accidents
- Inexperienced motorcycle riders
This is by no means a complete list of causes of motorcycle accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and it was caused by one of the factors listed above, then it is important that you speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to understand what your legal options are.
Ways to Minimize Motorcycle Accident Risks
There are a number of ways that you may be able to minimize your risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident. It is important to have sufficient practice riding your motorcycle before you put yourself on the road with other vehicles.
Approximately 1/3 of motorcycle riders in the state of Washington do not have motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s license. It is important to have the proper endorsements if you plant to be on the road. It is also important to always wear your helmet as required by Washington law.
Washington is one of a number of states to currently have a universal helmet law, which means that every rider of a motorcycle or scooter is required to wear a helmet. A current senate bill is being discussed which may roll this rule back, but for now, wearing a helmet is required.
If you have questions related to your legal obligations on the road or need to speak to an attorney about a motorcycle accident you were involved in, then give us a call at the Law Office of Sofia Miguel for a free consultation.
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia K. Miguel guarantees that you will never write a check to our office under Sofia’s “no fee guarantee.” Consultations are free and if your case is selected, then Sofia will also cover all your court costs during your motorcycle injury case.
Sofia only gets paid when you do. Her services will cost you nothing out of pocket; simple as that. Let Sofia’s nearly twenty years of experience in helping people recover for their injuries get to work for you now.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as the victim of a motorcycle accident near Seattle, Puyallup or Tacoma, WA, then contact attorney Sofia Miguel as she is ready to help you fight to get the money you deserve. Call us at 253-200-4471, come visit our office right here in Puyallup at 702 S. Hill Park Dr. #207, or contact us online anytime. We are here for you.
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