Though there may be dwindling numbers of motorcycles on the road this time of year, if you are a motorcyclist, it is natural inclination for you to try and squeeze out the maximum number of days to ride your motorcycle. While motorcycle drivers accept that driving their motorcycles come with added dangers not present while driving cars, Missouri roadways should be safe for all drivers. However, accidents involving motorcycles make up for a large percentage of all motor vehicle accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the Kansas City accident attorneys at the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm can help you recover compensation that your deserve for your injuries.
Motorcycle Fatality Statistics
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, between 2012 and 2014 there were 261 motorcyclists killed on Missouri roadways. Based on statistics summarized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 4,381 motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2013, the most recent year for which data is available. This number accounts for 13 percent of all 2013 fatalities on the nation’s roadways. Over half of these motorcycle accents are multiple vehicle crashes.
Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to see motorcycles because they are not looking for them. A 2009 report from the IIHS found that 42 percent of two-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was traveling straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle. Sadly, accidents from right here in Kansas City support this statistic.
This past summer, a motorcyclist was killed after he was hit by a Kansas City Missouri Water Department truck. According to one report, the crash occurred when the driver of the truck was traveling southbound and attempted to turn left from Prospect onto 45th Street. Instead, the truck struck the motorcyclist as he was traveling north on Prospect.
Obviously driving with extreme caution, wearing a helmet, and obeying all traffic regulation can help reduce the occurrence of motorcycle accidents. But regardless of caution exercised, motorcyclists are at an increased risk for accidents. Other common reasons for motorcycle injuries and fatalities include:
- Motorcycles lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making injuries more common and severe after crashes;
- Motorcycles are less stable than cars given their two wheels and smaller size;
- Motorcycles are less visible and may be more likely to be caught in drivers’ blind spots because of their small size; and
- Other common causes of accidents, such as distracted driving, driving at high speed, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Contact a Motorcycle Attorney Today
Involvement in car accidents of any type can result in serious injuries, but your injuries can be more severe if you were involved in a motorcycle accident. The Krause & Kinsman Law Firm has experience representing drivers injured in motorcycle accidents in the Kansas City area and can work with you to build your case to recover damages for your injury. To speak with us about your case, visit us online or call us at 816-200-2900.
