A recent study shows that 300 fewer fatalities from motorcycle crashes occurred in 2017 than in 2016. Although it appears to be good news, this statistic continues to fluctuate.
The average motorcycle rider is 40 or older now and represents an age group that suffers the highest number of motorcycle accident injuries and deaths. For post-crash survivors, the problems are just beginning.
A look at the numbers
Almost 5,000 people died in 2017 as the result of motorcycle crashes. In 2016, there were 300 more deaths. A busy hurricane season may partially account for the drop in the 2017 fatalities, but regardless, motorcycle crash injuries and deaths remain high across the country. Older riders are part of the equation because of their physiological issues. Aging brings changes such as slower reflexes, brittle bones and poor vision. Additionally, most senior riders have complex medical histories that come into play when they sustain serious injuries in a crash. Doctors must treat the entire body. Sometimes, a rider cannot survive the onset of injuries combined with other health problems.
Preventative measures
Groups that study motorcycle crash statistics, such as the nonprofit Governors Highway Safety Association, emphasize the need to implement new approaches in motorcycle safety. For example, researchers believe that making features like antilock brakes and stability control systems standard equipment on all new motorcycles would help reduce fatalities and serious injuries as would the passage of universal helmet laws.,
The next problem
Victims of car-motorcycle crashes must deal not only with injuries, many of which are life-altering, but also the struggle involved with receiving fair compensation to cover medical expenses and more. Insurance companies want to protect their motorist clients and often try to shift blame for an accident to motorcycle riders. This is where an advocate experienced with the insurance company mindset can focus on maximum success in compensation negotiations while the patient concentrates on rest and recovery.
