Although there’s much to appreciate about being a motorcyclist, from the adventure on the open road to being part of a vibrant Albuquerque motorcycle community, there are also some inherent dangers. Motorcycle accidents can be much more dangerous and involve a greater risk of fatalities than car accidents.
Our skilled Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney team explains why motorcyclists face a higher risk of fatality, plus common motorcycle accident injuries and how to protect yourself. With decades of experience defending victims of motorcycle accidents and their families, Keller & Keller has expertise and knowledge you can rely on.
5 Reasons Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Deadlier Than Car Crashes
Albuquerque has a large motorcycle community, thanks to the temperate climate, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of motorcycle clubs and events. As fun and freeing as motorcycling can be, it’s critical to be aware of how dangerous motorcycle accidents can be.
According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), although motorcyclists only made up 3% of registered vehicles in 2022, they accounted for 14.6% of fatalities in the U.S. NSC data also shows that the overall fatality rate for motorcycle accidents has increased 32% over the last decade.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reveals that per mile traveled, motorcyclists were 22 times more likely to be killed in an accident and four times more likely to be injured (according to 2022 data). Our Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney explains why motorcycle crashes are more dangerous.
Motorcycles Can Be More Difficult to See on the Road
Visibility is a major concern for motorcyclists. Because motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, drivers in cars, vans, and trucks may have difficulty seeing them. Situations where a motorcyclist is at a higher risk of not being seen include turning left, changing lanes, and navigating intersections.
Less Crash Protection Compared to Cars
Motorcycles lack safety protections like airbags, seat belts, and other features found in enclosed vehicles. This can make it much more dangerous for motorcyclists if they are hit by another vehicle or thrown from their bike. Without a protective enclosure, bikers are far more likely to come in contact with the ground or other hard surfaces after an accident, which could cause injuries or death.
Poor Weather or Road Conditions Can Be More Dangerous for Bikers
When poor weather hits, bad weather conditions like rain-slicked roads can be even more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars. With fewer and smaller wheels, motorcycles are less stable and have less surface area against the road, which means less traction and a higher chance of losing control on slick roads.
Uneven pavement or bad road conditions can also be more problematic. Motorcycles’ lower center of gravity and smaller tires make them more likely to tip or lose traction on uneven roads.
Being Cut Off in Traffic Can Be More Dangerous for Motorcycles
When one car makes a careless decision to cut another car off or swerves into another lane, the other vehicle may be able to adjust in time. However, it can be much more difficult for a motorcyclists to regain control, since they have less traction and an easier tipping point.
Tailgating Can Be Deadly for Motorcyclists
While tailgating (following another vehicle too closely) can often result in an annoying fender bender for a car, it can have more serious consequences for a motorcyclist. Whether another car tailgates a motorcycle and hits it or a car in front of the motorcyclist stops suddenly, the impact of crashes caused by tailgating could directly harm the biker or throw them from their motorcycle.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are at risk for many different kinds of injuries, including potentially fatal ones. Here are some of the most common injuries our Albuquerque team sees in motorcycle accident cases:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- “Road rash,” or an abrasion or damage to the skin
- Broken bones, often seen in the lower extremities
- Sprains
- Burns
- Scars and facial disfigurement
- Abdomen and lung injuries
- Other internal organ injuries
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you or a loved one is alright after an accident. To be safe, seek immediate medical attention to ensure you catch any delayed or “silent” injuries that you don’t notice because of stress hormones’ impact on your ability to notice pain.
How Albuquerque Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves
Some simple safety tips can help you reduce your risk of injury:
- Only ride with the proper endorsement and follow all New Mexico motorcycle laws.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride.
- Invest in protective clothing and gear, including motorcycle armor, to protect the skin.
- Be aware of weather conditions before you ride.
- Avoid negligent or aggressive drivers if you notice them on the road.
- Take a motorcycle safety class to learn defensive driving techniques.
- Be vigilant when turning left or changing lanes.
- If you are in an accident, seek medical care immediately.
- Contact an Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer after an accident to help.
How an Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Keller & Keller Can Help
At Keller & Keller, our highly skilled Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers can help you every step of the way if a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle crash. We can work with your specific situation to help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. We understand the nuances of motorcycle accident injury cases, and we’ll do all we can to fight for a fair recovery.
No matter how careful you are, there’s still danger in motorcycle accidents. Being aware and knowing how to mitigate risks can be helpful, but protecting your rights is critical if you or a loved one has suffered from a motorcycle accident. Turn to an experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney at Keller & Keller to help. We can fight for justice if you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, navigating the process with compassion and diligence.
