How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Each Year in the United States [DATA]? Omaha Personal-Injury Lawyer Investigates How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Each Year in the United States [DATA]? Omaha Personal-Injury Lawyer Investigates

A landmark study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shed some much-needed light on an alarming trend: While car accidents have been steadily declining in the United States since 1998, motorcycle crashes are on the rise.

And what a rise – there were 4,924 fatalities in accidents involving motorcyclists in 2014, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Another alarming statistic: 92,000 people suffered significant injuries in these crashes. According to Nebraska’s Department of Roads, the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents rose to 26 in 2015, up from 14 in 2013 – with a total of 431 serious injuries.

Here are a few reasons for these alarming statistics:

• Motorcycles are less visible on the road than other vehicles;
• High-performance motorcycles may encourage dangerous driving through a combination of high acceleration and poor stability when turning or swerving;
• And motorcycles lack the physical protections of passenger vehicles.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha personal-injury lawyer will aggressively represent your interests and help you fight for the highest possible compensation. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a consultation.

You can learn more about personal-injury lawsuits arising from motorcycle accidents in Nebraska by visiting USAttorneys.com.

Let’s take a closer look at the common causes of motorcycle accidents – and how to avoid them:

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Accidents involving motorcycles cause a disproportionate number of serious injuries. Per mile travelled in 2013, for instance, motorcycle wrecks resulted in deaths 26 times more frequently than passenger-car fatalities, according to NHTSA data.

Most accidents involving motorcycles involve these factors:

• Blind Spots: A great deal of motorcycle accidents happen because passenger-vehicle drivers fail to see motorcyclists on the road.
• Lane-Splitting: Although driving between lanes of cars is legal in some states, it is a dangerous practice and motorcyclists should avoid doing it whenever possible.
• Speeding: A motorcycle is usually capable of accelerating faster than the cars around it due to its lighter frame, but quick acceleration can cause the rider to slide or swerve out of control.
• Dangerous Behavior: Many motorcyclists crash while negotiating tricky or risky maneuvers because the vehicle can become unstable at high speeds.

How Can You Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?

The vast majority of motorcycle crashes are entirely avoidable. One easy way to cut your risk is to avoid dangerous behavior. Do not speed or attempt risky maneuvers; instead, follow traffic laws and ride predictably.

Also, alcohol contributes to an alarming number of motorcycle accidents: Statistics from the NHTSA show that 40 percent of motorcycle riders killed in 2013 were driving while alcohol-impaired. Drunk driving is a risky practice that is far more dangerous on two wheels than four.

Overconfidence is another factor that exacerbates the risk of being injured in a motorcycle wreck. Although the laws regarding helmet use vary from state to state, it is safest to wear a helmet at all times while operating a motorcycle. Research shows that while the proper use of helmets saved 1,630 motorcyclists’ lives in 2013, 715 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists wore this essential piece of safety equipment.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that another driver caused, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha motorcycle accident attorney will explain your legal options.

Our attorneys have more than 45 combined years of experience in personal-injury law. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.