Late last year a 60-year old man was headed to work on his motorcycle when the driver of on on-coming vehicle made a left turn in front of him. The turning driver did not properly judge the timing, and the motorcycle rider clipped the back end of the car. As a result, he was ejected from his bike and was pronounced dead at the scene. The turning driver was ultimately charged with a failure to yield by authorities for his role in the motorcycle accident.
Increased Deaths Among Boomer-Age Riders
The increase in deaths among boomer-age riders is not surprising considering the increasing popularity of motorcycles among older buyers and retirees. While the death toll for motorcycle riders has leveled off over the years, there has been a steady increase in older riders. The 55 to 64-year-old age group accounted for 16.3 percent of motorcycle deaths which is up from 9.3 percent exactly 10 years prior. This is due in part to the marked increase in ridership for that age group and overall aging demographics.
Even worse, studies have found that older riders are much more likely to be seriously injured than their younger counterparts. Riders over 60 years old are three times more likely to be admitted to the hospital after a crash than younger riders in their 20s and 30s. Moreover, older riders are 2.5 times more likely to sustain serious injuries. In fact, the oldest age group (riders over 60) have shown the greatest rate of increase in injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes from 2001 to 2008.
One may wonder why this is the case seeing as older drivers/riders are considered to be safer and less reckless. The answer is actually fairly simple, and it is one that no one likes to admit—older bodies are fragile and “the same impact will cause more damage to a 55-year-old than a 25-year-old.” In addition to potentially slower reflexes and diminished vision, older riders sustain more fractures and dislocations. Serious injuries include brain injuries, organ damage, and damage to the chest and rib cage. Furthermore, underlying disease that may be more prevalent in older riders may increase the risk of complications during a crash.
Knowing that a motorcycle crash can lead to more serious injuries, older riders should exert greater caution while riding. While the industry has not created target safety awareness for the boomer group, there have been efforts to encourage veteran riders to take refresher safety courses.
However, if you have been injured in an accident while riding your motorcycle as a result of the negligence of another person, you may be able to recover for your damages. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage and bike repair costs, and pain and suffering are only a sample of the damages that you may recover in a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Contact an Attorney Today
If one of your loved ones has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, please contact one of our experienced Green Bay motorcycle accident attorneys or Appleton motorcycle accident attorneys for help initiating a claim or personal injury lawsuit. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries, bills, and other expenses. With offices located in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, we can help you through every step of the way.