Certainly motorcyclists are at an increased risk on the road. Motorcyclists put themselves at risk by just being on the road, but less apparent is that a motorcyclist not obeying the rules of the road can increase the dangers to other motor vehicles. Recently, a motorcyclist was injured after it collided with another vehicle near Interstate 15 and Highway 91 in Riverside County. The motorcyclist ended up in the center divider and an ambulance responded to the scene of the accident. The accident happened at 5:23 a.m. on the westbound 91 just east of the 15 in Corona. Although this latest motorcycle accident signifies the dangers motorcyclists face while on the road, there has been some recent data to indicate that motorcycle fatalities have actually been decreasing in the United States. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, their latest report showed that in 2013, there was a 7% decrease in motorcycle fatalities while on the roads in the U.S for only the second time since 1997. The GHSA attributes much of the decline to weather. When the weather is unseasonably warm and dry, more motorcyclists take to the roadways. However, the weather was wetter and colder in 2013, which means fewer motorcycles on the road and could help explain the decrease in fatal motorcycle accidents. Although motorcycle fatalities decreased in the year 2013, motorcyclist safety has not improved in fifteen years.
Out of all motorcycle accidents on a yearly basis, a large majority are caused by a motorist failing to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists are less visible on the road to other motor vehicles and often other drivers have a hard time seeing them on the road and affording them the space to safely operate their motorcycles.
Many people are quick to blame motorcyclists for accidents, but the reality is that they are less often the cause of accidents than many people realize. The law provides that a motorcyclist cannot be held liable simply because he or she is on a motorcycle. Similarly, the damages awarded to a motorcyclist after an accident cannot be reduced just because the injuries would not have been as bad had the motorcyclist been driving a car.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Martinez & Schill LLP for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 619-512-5995 or 951-200-4630.