Car or Motorcycle Accident – Which Is More Dangerous?

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You probably know how dangerous a hobby is if you own a motorcycle and it doesn't matter what your level of experience. The truth is, you can be as safe as possible on the road, but there will always be a bad driver who can lead to a severe motorcycle accident that causes you to be severely wounded. You must hire a personal injury lawyer in OKC no matter if the driver is insured or not. The frequently asked question is, are motorcycles more dangerous than cars? In short, the answer is Yes. However, cars and motorcycles can be responsible for each other’s accidents.

Causes of Car Accidents

In the U.S. every year there are over 11 million car accidents. Driving errors and other causes such as weather, road conditions, health emergencies, and tire or brake failure, are the key areas for these accidents. The causes are:

  • According to the report of the National Safety Council, 25% of the car accidents are associated with cell phone usage, that is a distraction while driving. 

  • In the U.S., driver’s fatigue or sleepiness is responsible for up to 3% of fatal injuries of road accidents in the U.S.

  • Alcohol intake or driving above the legal speed is responsible for nearly half of all the car accidents.

  • Aggressive driving which may include tailgating, not heeding traffic signals, not yielding the right of way, and frequent lane changes.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are vulnerable, but here are some common causes of accidents:

  • Car making a left turn: Roughly 42% of all car and motorcycle traffic accidents involve a car turning left.

  • Under the influence of alcohol: Alcohol or speeding is responsible for approximately half of all single motorcycle accidents.

  • Road hazards: Due to the smaller and less stable ground contact of motorcycles than a car, slick routes, uneven road levels, potholes, and other risks pose a more significant threat.

  • Splitting Lanes: Lane splitting, or going between cars, is not legal in all states since it is often a motorcycle accident contributing factor.

  • Colliding with fixed objects: One-quarter of motorcyclist deaths are due to motorcycles that hit a fixed objects.

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Motorbike accidents are inherently more dangerous to drivers and those riding than car accidents because drivers are not protected and usually thrown off the bike during a collision. Motorcycle accidents cause several common injuries:

  • Concussion and brain damage.

  • Joint injuries in the shoulders and pelvis.

  • Soft tissue damage.

  • Facial disfigurement.

  • Upper arm damage, leading to permanent paralysis.

In OKC, have you had a motorcycle accident with a traumatic injury? If so, you are entitled to talk about the incident to an experienced personal injury lawyer in OKC. If you're not the one who is at fault for the crash, you don't have to be held liable for all the costs associated with a motorcycle accident. Call us today for a consultation at The West Law Firm.

** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.