The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the following 2008 statistics for fatal motorcycle accidents:
- 1,963 (36.4%) front collisions with another vehicle;
- 326 (6.1%) side collisions with another vehicle;
- 192 (3.6%) rear collisions with another vehicle;
- 81 (1.5%) other/unknown collisions with another vehicle;
- 1,391 (25.8%) collisions with a fixed object;
- 540 (10%) collisions with an unfixed object;
- 1,158 (21.5%) non-collisions; and
- 6 (0.1%) unknown accident types.
Statistics show 55% of fatal motorcycle accidents are multiple-vehicle crashes and most occurred between a motorcycle and a light truck. With motorcycle accidents representing nearly 11% of the 50,000 fatal crashes reported in 2008, all drivers must take extra precaution to avoid causing accidents.Intersections are one of the deadliest crash sites for motorcycle accidents. Besides the normal hazards of drivers running red lights or failing to properly signal for turns, motorcycles are often unseen in these areas because of their smaller size. One of the most common accidents is when a car fails to see an approaching motorcycle while making a turn at an intersection.Lane changing is also a hazardous time for motorcycle riders as they are often unknowingly caught in the other vehicle’s blind spot. A car unaware there is a motorcycle slightly behind them in the other lane will often begin merging without knowing they are about to cause a crash.There is a lot more to know about the basic details of motorcycle accident claims that will help you if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. The more informed you are about the basics of motorcycle accidents, the more confident you will be to proceed with a personal injury claim. When you are ready to begin the personal injury claim process and file for damages for your injuries, an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.