Riding a motorcycle is a novel and convenient form of transportation for many people, but it can quickly turn serious in the event of an accident. Over the last several years, motorcycle fatalities across the nation have increased. Mississippi has the highest rate of motorcycle accidents along with Texas and Arkansas. If you’re a resident of the state, there are certain things you need to know about this type of collision.
How do motorcycle accidents happen?
Car crashes affect motorcyclists when they have to share the road with other motorists. In fact, one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents is other motorists not sharing the road with them. Unsafe lane changes and failure to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists are some examples where car drivers lack the awareness to drive safely around motorcyclists, either by not acknowledging the biker’s presence or understimating how far a biker is at an intersection.
Other causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- Speeding
- Lane-splitting
- Riding under the influence
- Hazardous road conditions
- Hazardous weather
Motorcycle accident statistics
Here are some facts about motorcycle accidents in Mississippi:
- In 2019, there were 40 motorcycle accident fatalities.
- In 2021, that number increased to 62.
- According to the NHTSA, there was a 55% increase in motorcycle deaths between 2019 and 2020.
Where are motorcycle accidents most likely to happen?
According to the NHTSA, 70% of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. Left-hand turns by cars are especially dangerous for motorcyclists and can result in head-on collisions and other types of accidents. A left-turn accident at an intersection is also the most common type of motorcycle accident.
How safe are motorcycles?
Motorcycle accidents result in higher chances of serious injuries and death than car accidents. The fact that motorcyclists do not have body armor and cars are far larger and heavier in comparison to motorcycles are some reasons why a similar collision is much more serious when on a motorcycle than in a car.
If you’ve experienced injuries from a motorcycle accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately. You can consult a personal injury lawyer to find out about your legal options and get help in filing a claim.
