Drive Safely on Your Colorado Motorcycle Rides
If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, then it’s not hard to see why they’re such a popular vehicle in America. Motorcycles allow you to enjoy the open road in a way that’s difficult with a car, and there are few things more thrilling than going for a ridea warm Colorado day.
While motorcycles come with plenty of excitement, they can come with plenty of danger as well. Motorcycle accidents can be uniquely destructive for unprepared riders, and the margin for error in avoiding accidents is much smaller compared to other vehicles.
You don’t have to let the fear of these motorcycle accidents keep you off the road, but it’s helpful to understand some of the common mechanics behind motorcycle accidents before you drive. Everybody on the road is responsible for sharing it safely, and damage caused by drivers ignoring this responsibility can come down especially hard on motorcycle drivers.
Let’s explore why motorcycle accidents can be so dangerous, along with important things to keep in mind to ensure that your motorcycle rides are safe, energizing, and fun.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Simply put: dangerous. The NHTSA reports that motorcyclists are roughly 28 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than people in passenger cars. This is a sobering number, and it highlights the need for responsible driving from both motorcyclists and the people they share a road with.
The main reason for such a stark difference in fatality rates is the limit on safety features afforded to motorcyclists. Passenger cars enjoy a variety of sophisticated safety technology designed to minimize injuries in the event of a crash. Features like airbags and seatbelts absorb traumatic impact, and car frames are designed to crumble around passengers to disperse impact safely.
Unfortunately, motorcycles don’t include these features. A lack of airbags, windshields, and 3-point seatbelts means that motorcyclists risk being thrown from their seats during collisions, with only a layer of clothing to absorb impacts.
Additionally, not all motorcyclists use the safety features afforded to them. Some states—Colorado included—do not require motorcyclists over the age of 18 to wear helmets. Although helmets are proven to save lives, some riders choose not to, and their fatality rates reflect their decisions. NHTSA data shows that 65% of fatally injured motorcyclists in states without all-rider helmet laws were riding without helmets.
What Are the Risks of Being on a Motorcycle?
In addition to the dangers listed above, riding a motorcycle comes with unique traffic considerations that aren’t present for passenger cars. Other motorists tend to view motorcycles differently than other cars, and it means that they don’t always respect a motorcyclist’s driving space.
Given how dangerous a Colorado traffic accident can be if you’re riding a motorcycle, the notion that other cars might not be paying attention can be pretty scary.
Additionally, the acceleration and braking systems on a motorcycle don’t allow for one to stop the same way that cars do. As motorcycles require a greater distance to safely slow down, they’re less equipped to stop suddenly in the event of debris or blockage on the road.
Both of these concerns can be addressed with the proper road awareness. It can be valuable to assume that other cars haven’t seen you when changing lanes or making turns and adjust accordingly. In the event that you are injured in a motorcycle crash, however, it’s vital to have a Colorado personal injury lawyer on your side.
An experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer will know what factors to identify in establishing fault, and will work tirelessly to ensure that the liable party is held financially accountable in covering every cost of recovery.
What Are Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents?
The dangers present in a motorcycle accident extend far past the initial point of collision. As noted above, the limited safety options for a motorcycle come with a risk of being thrown from the bike or dragged along the road.
Concussions and brain damage are an ever-present risk in Colorado motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. Another common injury is soft tissue damage, or road rash as it’s commonly known. This is commonly caused by riders sliding across the road and being scraped by asphalt as they do so. Injuries from road rash can range from minor cuts and bruises to permanent tissue damage.
A lesser-talked-about side effect of Colorado motorcycle collisions is the risk of facial disfigurement. Given that 35% of motorcycle accidents include impact to the victim’s chin or jaw, it’s possible for the impact to cause permanent damage to a motorcyclist’s facial structure.
The cost of recovering from these accidents can extend far beyond an initial hospital stay. Even after getting out of the ER, victims can face all sorts of unexpected costs of recovery, including physical therapy, emotional or trauma counseling, rehabilitation, and more. As severe enough accidents can result in permanent disability, victims can also find themselves staring down a mountain of medical bills with a greatly limited capacity for returning to work.
Thankfully, victims of Colorado motorcycle accidents have options and resources available for recovering. Hiring an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer ensures that victims have someone in their corner to help navigate the complexities of healing.
McDivitt Law Firm has been representing motorcycle accident victims for 40 years. With thousands of cases won, we understand the nuances that can make or break a motorcycle injury insurance claim. Our first and foremost obligation is to the well-being of our clients, and that’s why we fight tirelessly to ensure that they’re awarded the settlement that they deserve. Contact us today to see how McDivitt can make a difference for you.
