What Is A Major Cause Of Death In Motorcycle Accidents?
Riding a motorcycle is inherently risky, as motorcycle riders are exposed and vulnerable to the elements, road conditions, and other drivers on the road. Due to this vulnerability, motorcycle riders are more likely than people in cars and trucks to be involved in severe and, in the worst cases, fatal motorcycle accidents. But what is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents?
When a person gets into a motorcycle accident, he can suffer a severe injury, such as a head injury, brain injury, fractures, and paralysis. Most fatal motorcycle accidents result in severe brain injury that leaves victims with little to no chance of recovery. In cases of a fatal motorcycle accident, the most common cause of death is head and neck trauma.
Motorcycle crashes can be a hundred times scarier than other traffic accidents. This is because bike riders don’t have the safety features of cars, such as airbags and seat-belts. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, you might have suffered a serious injury that can be fatal if left untreated. The best thing to do is to seek medical treatment immediately for motorcycle accident injuries and get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
In Hollywood, Florida, the Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, P.A., can help you file a motorcycle accident claim to help you recover from the accident. Jared will help you fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other damages.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
The data shows that many fatal accidents occur when a motorcycle is involved. A motorcycle accident can occur anytime and anywhere, so it is best always to be aware of your surroundings. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include the following:
Speeding
Motorcycle riders who are speeding tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers of the road. Head-on collisions, rider error, and more incredibly dangerous scenarios can occur if a rider travels too fast. These can lead to fatal injuries that could have been preventable.
Driving Under The Influence
Drunk driving is also a major cause of fatal motorcycle accidents. Whether it is the motorcycle rider or the drivers of other vehicles, many fatal crashes occur when the vehicle drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Distracted Driving
Many motorcycle accidents also occur due to distracted driving, such as talking on the phone and texting while behind the wheel. When a driver is not paying full attention to the road, they can easily miss a motorcycle rider in their blind spot and cause an accident. Likewise, when a motorcyclist is busy with something else, they can easily miss other vehicles and cause a crash.
Poor Road Conditions
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is poor roads or bad weather conditions. Poorly maintained bumpy or uneven roads create dangerous scenarios for motorcycle riders. Bad visibility caused by fog, rain, snow, and ice also increases the risk of crashing.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can be a significant factor in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle riders must be extra cautious when riding in rain or snow and wear protective gear to reduce the risk of skidding and crashing. On the other hand, there is also a high number of motorcyclists killed in sunny weather because of the tendency to ride faster without thinking of the consequences.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider passes between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic to get ahead of the cars. This maneuver can be dangerous because motor vehicles, especially large trucks, have many blind spots and can easily miss the rider in between. In fact, most states have declared lane splitting illegal, except California.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another major factor in many motorcycle accidents. Many motorcycle accident injuries have occurred because of another driver’s reckless driving behavior. Examples include cutting off another vehicle, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic without paying attention to other drivers.
Fatigue
Fatigue can also play a role in some fatal motorcycle accidents. Riding while exhausted can be dangerous as it increases a rider’s reaction time and decreases their ability to make smart decisions on the road. This factor can go both ways – a fatigued motor vehicle driver or a motorcyclist can cause serious injuries to all parties involved.
Failure to Wear Protective Gear
Finally, not wearing proper protective gear is a major factor in many motorcycle accidents. The Department of Transportation has universal motorcycle helmet laws to ensure that all riders wear helmets, no matter the state. However, wearing other protective gear like gloves, boots, and a jacket is also essential to reducing the risk of injury in an accident. But despite these guidelines, many riders still do not wear proper protective gear when riding and suffer serious injuries as a result.
What are the common injuries that motorcycle accident victims sustain after a crash?
Motorcycle accident victims sustain common injuries after a crash, including head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal and external bleeding, cuts, bruises, and even death. Motorcycle riders involved in a crash often suffer more severe trauma than the occupants of other motor vehicles due to their lack of protection.
Major Causes of Death in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer fatal injuries due to their vulnerability on the road. A rider’s only protection is their helmet and clothing. Even with the proper gear, the rider is still at a higher risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury that can ultimately lead to brain damage, or, worse, brain death. The most common causes of death in motorcycle accidents include the following:
Head Injury
Head trauma can cause severe brain injury or paralysis. In this type of injury, the brain tissue is damaged due to a blow to the head or neck, such as when hitting a hard surface.
Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord can be severed if a rider is thrown from their motorcycle during an accident. This kind of injury may lead to paralysis or death, depending on where the injury occurs.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when a rider sustains blunt force trauma to the chest. This can cause severe internal trauma, which may lead to organ failure or death.
Organ Damage
Organ damage can be caused by any type of accident, including a motorcycle accident. Injuries to the spleen, lungs, heart, and other organs can cause severe bleeding and other complications that can lead to death.
Road Rash
Road rash is a common injury experienced by motorcyclists in an accident because of their lack of protection during a crash. This type of abrasion may also cause infection, leading to more severe injuries or even death.
How to Recover From a Motorcycle Accident
The recovery process for a motorcycle accident victim can be long and difficult. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may have to undergo months or even years of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
Additionally, the financial strain of medical bills can burden an individual’s finances that many cannot bear by themselves. Victims of motorcycle accidents may be able to seek legal representation to recover damages from the responsible party. Consulting a qualified attorney from Jared Spingarn’s law firm in Florida can help victims understand their rights and options during this difficult time.
Legal options may include recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Your attorney may also be able to help you obtain a settlement that will provide you with the financial resources needed to move on from the accident. Jared will review the facts of your case and can help you determine the best way to protect your rights and interests.
Remember that motorcycle accidents are extremely dangerous and require careful attention on behalf of riders, motor vehicle drivers, and other parties involved in order to reduce the risk of injury or death. All riders should take the time to properly equip themselves with protective gear and be aware of their surroundings at all times. By taking these steps, motorcyclists can ensure that they are as safe as possible when out on the road.
Conclusion
What is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents? Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to fatal injuries due to their lack of protection while on the road. The most common causes of death in a motorcycle accident include head and neck trauma, spinal cord injury, internal bleeding, organ damage, and road rash.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help immediately. The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, P.A., are committed to helping injured motorcyclists get the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact Jared today for a free no-obligation consultation. They are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
>> If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney, at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.