Motorcycle accidents often result in more devastating injuries or death than a typical car accident. The lack of a protective barrier and the force of the other vehicle ultimately leaves motorcyclists in a very vulnerable position on the road. In addition to this danger is the fact that drivers in cars and other vehicles are predisposed to not look for motorcycles. Given their small size, car drivers often state not even seeing a motorcycle after an accident has occurred.
In 2009, Nathan Bower, a Michigan resident, was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a novice driver. Since then, Nathan's family and friends have worked tirelessly to get legislation passed to amend the laws dealing with driver education classes and curriculum. Most motorcycle organizations also offer training and safety courses for both riders and the public.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents. However, the most common reasons that car drivers get involved in accidents with motorcyclists include the following:
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Driver inattention;
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Driving under the influence;
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Texting while driving;
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Failure to yield the right of way;
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Failure to obey traffic signals;
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Making left hand turns without looking for motorcycles; and
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Opening car doors without checking.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Accidents
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2012 there were a total of 515, 433 registered motorcyclists in the state. That same year, 112 motorcycle riders were killed in traffic accidents and another 2, 398 were injured. While cyclists between the ages of 35 and 54 account for 45.9 percent of licensed motorcyclists, they only accounted for 41.7 percent of motorcyclists in crashes in 2012. Meanwhile motorcycle drivers ages 16 to 24 accounted for only 3.8 percent of the licensed motorcyclists, but were involved in 15.6 percent of those in crashes in 2012.
The number of injury and fatal motorcycle accidents has also increased dramatically in Wisconsin over the last decade. The number of fatal accidents on the roads increased by 44 percent, and the number of injury accidents increased by 17 percent. Since 1996, the number of motorcycle drivers ages 45 and older, who have died in traffic accidents, has increased six-fold.
Call a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, an experienced Green Bay motorcycle accident attorney or Appleton motorcycle accident attorney can help. The attorneys at [[title]], located in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Appleton, are here to defend your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call or contact the office today for a confidential consultation of your case.