What You Should Know About Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are fun, eco-friendly, thrilling, and promote a sense of freedom on the open road. Unfortunately, when it comes to motorcycle accidents, the riders are more likely to die in a collision – almost 30% more than automobile inhabitants. In New Jersey alone, between 2011 and 2015, crashes involving motorcycles numbered no less than 12,000. During that last year, 49 fatalities resulted from 2,300 New Jersey motorcycle accidents. Sadly, even a minor accident can result in the rider or passenger (or both) being injured.

Motorcycles don’t need another vehicle with which to collide in order to be involved in an accident. Single vehicle accidents – the motorcycle alone – make up 50% of all accidents involving motorcycles. The reason here frequently ends up being excessive speeds during cornering and turning.

We are going to closely examine motorcycle accidents in New Jersey and what to do if you’re involved in one.

Motorcycle Accidents

More affordable than many cars, motorcycles can be a relatively inexpensive mode of transportation. To guard against minor accidents, riders should protect their body by spending a little extra on gloves, helmets, eye protection, leather clothing, etc. Additionally, a motorcyclist who assumes that others don’t see them will remain safer. By obeying speed limits, maintaining proper following distance, and avoiding the temptation to weave in and out of traffic, bikers will lessen the chance of an accident and/or injury.

Accident Caused Injuries

Immediate medical assistance should be sought if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel fine, you should get checked out. The most common motorcycle accident injuries are as follows:

• Trauma to the thoracic region account for one in seven injuries – i.e. ribs, sternum, chest/thorax area.
• Injuries involving the spinal cord. This is one of the most devastating injuries that can be suffered.
• Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries. This can be as simple as a strain or as complicated as a severe fracture or amputation.
• Injuries involving the brain. Next to spinal cord injuries, these are considered the most severe and life changing. Best case scenario, a mild concussion or nothing at all. Worst case scenario could involve being unable to care for yourself for the rest of your life – or death.