Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

Why are motorcyclists more likely to be injured in an accident?

On Behalf of | Sep 24, 2018 | Motorcycle Accidents |

Whether as a means of transportation or strictly as a recreational vehicle, a motorcycle offers you benefits that cars and trucks simply cannot provide. However, if you choose to ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you also face a greater risk of death or injury in the event of an accident than those who drive other motor vehicles.

According to FindLaw, there are several reasons why motorcyclists are more susceptible to injury or death in a roadway accident.

Vulnerability

The body of a car or truck creates a barrier between the occupants of the vehicle and the road, providing a measure of protection that motorcycles lack.

Inexperience

A motorcycle accident is often the result of a rider lacking sufficient familiarity with the motorcycle’s operating characteristics or one who is not well versed in basic riding skills.

High-speed wobble

A problem unique to motorcycles is that, due to misalignment, the front tire of a motorcycle can wobble or shake at high speeds, which could cause you to swerve or lose control.

Hazards on the road

Oil slicks, potholes, railroad tracks, puddles, uneven pavement or debris on the road can pose a much greater hazard to you on your motorcycle than to the driver of a car.

Visibility

Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than cars or trucks, particularly at intersections.

The fatality rate for motorcycle accidents has more than doubled since 1999, while during the same time period, the number of fatalities for drivers and passengers in cars or light trucks has been falling steadily. Compared to experiencing a collision while riding in a passenger car, an accident on your motorcycle is 5 times more likely to injure you and 26 times more likely to kill you.

The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.