Types of Motorcycle Accidents and How Pedestrians Effect Them

Motorcycles have become ever-increasing throughout the United States. Many people find a motorcycle ride exhilarating. Motorcycles and other two-wheeled transport systems like scooters and mopeds have quick options for many Americans. However, motorcycles are also at risk for accidents. Here are some types of motorcycle accidents.

In Florida alone, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts the number of registered motorcycles in Florida at 645,012 as of 2021. California and Florida have the largest number of registered motorcycles by large margins. But a short ride on a motorcycle can easily become a tragedy if an accident occurs. It can be detrimental for the motorcyclist and the person who suffered a collision. 

According to Traffic Safety, Facts 2016 prepared National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

• In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed—a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.
• Per vehicle miles traveled in 2016, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
• Twenty-seven percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
• Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day in 2016.
• NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives in 2016 and that 802 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.

Sometimes pedestrians can contribute to a motorcycle accident due to certain habits like not paying attention, crossing at the wrong place, and texting while on the road. Pedestrians have to pay attention to avoid getting into an accident.

Types of Motorcycles

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts a list of types of motorcycles. 

• Chopper-style motorcycles
• Standard motorcycles
• Cruiser motorcycles
• Touring motorcycles
• Sport-touring motorcycles
• Unclad sport motorcycles
• Sport motorcycles
• Super-sport motorcycles
• Dual-purpose motorcycles
• Scooters

Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Fractures
• Sprain and strains
• Bruises and abrasion
• Broken bones, joints, ribs
• Nervous system malfunctioning 

Several serious injuries can arise in a motorcycle accident. These injuries are also common in accidents involving two-wheelers like scooters and mopeds. Head injuries cover brain injuries, brain damage, concussions, skull fracture, hemorrhage, edema, and intracranial hematoma (ICH).

A common but serious injury in two-wheeled vehicle accidents, particularly motorbike accidents, is a biker’s arm. A biker’s arm is nerve damage caused when the motorcycle lands on the biker’s arm. This nerve damage can result in complete or partial paralysis of the hand or arm. Biker’s arm is also called the rider’s arm. Biker’s or rider’s arm can also happen where the biker lands on their arm rather than on the face or vital organs.

Where the rider’s skin is torn, removed, or brushed when he lands on the road surface, the pavement, or the ditch, they may sustain what is commonly called road rash. Unfortunately, this is a painfully common injury in moped, scooter, and motorcycle accidents. 

No matter how little, an injury from a motorcycle accident should not be left untreated. Seek medical attention even if you think you have non sustained any physical injury or the injury you sustained is not significant. This is because small injuries left untreated may become major injuries, and some injuries may be internal and cannot be seen with physical eyes. 

Mechanical problems, inexperience in the rider, and emotional impairment can contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents are categorized into different types. Although every motorcycle accident differs from each other, there are however broad categorizations that these accidents can fall into. For example, there are single-bike motorcycle accidents, rear-end and head-on motorcycle accidents, and left and U-turn collisions. 

These types of motorcycle accidents can be caused by road hazards, distracted driving, disobedience to road traffic rules, exceeding the speed limit, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and violating the cyclist’s right of way.

Alcohol impairment is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. In 2016, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were found to have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle type. Thirty-seven percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2016 were alcohol-impaired. 

Road hazards, bad weather, and visual impairments like myopia can lead to motorcycle accidents. 

How Pedestrians Can Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents 

1. Crossing on the wrong side of the road (Jaywalking): Not all areas are accepted places to cross the road. Pedestrians should avoid crossing at T-junction or where it is not allowed. 
2. Jogging on the road: Stadiums and fields are better options for jogging than on the road. 
3. Calling or texting on the road: Operating your cell phone while on the road, whether to pick up a call, return one, or compose a text message, can distract you from observing an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycles are quite fast, so it may not be easy to notice when they are already close to you. 
4. Not obeying traffic rules and lights: Pedestrians failing to obey traffic rules and lights can cause them to collide with an oncoming motorcycle.
5. Plugging your ears while walking: Using devices like earpieces and ear pods that can impede hearing should be avoided or reduced while walking. It can stop you from hearing the sound of vehicles, other people, and horning sounds. 
6. Miscalculating the proximity and speed of the motorcycle: It is possible to miscalculate the distance of a motorcycle. You cannot properly guess the speed at which the motorcycle moves. Objects can seem farther or closer than they are. 

What to do after a Motorcycle Accident

1.  Inform the Police: When you suffer a personal injury, or your loved one has suffered from a personal injury, you should notify the local police station in Tampa. Make an official report of what happened, and the injuries suffered.
2. Gather Evidence: Gather as much evidence as you can. For example, if you suffered a personal injury from a car accident, take pictures if you can do so, or ask someone to take them for you. 
3. Get Medical Attention: When you suffer an injury, seek medical attention even if you believe it is not a serious injury. 
4. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: We specialize in Personal Injury and will assist you in presenting your case.
5. Keep Records: Keep an account and record all money spent and expenses incurred due to the injury. A clear account of the cost incurred can help to grant the relief of special damages in a personal injury claim.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help you after a Motorcycle Accident 

• Adequate Representation: Your attorney is your legal representative. You should expect adequate representation from your attorney with insurance companies and in court, if your car accident injury snowballs into a lawsuit.
• Handle Negotiations: You should expect that your car accident attorney will handle negotiations on your behalf. You should not do so yourself, and you should trust your attorney’s judgment in negotiating on your behalf to get you the best financial compensation you deserve.
• Gather evidence to establish your case: Your car accident attorney will require you to produce any records in your care that will enable them to establish your case. Your attorney will gather evidence, facts, and records and analyze them to present a strong case on your behalf.
• Conduct Investigation: Expect that your car accident attorney may conduct an independent investigation to ascertain the different sides of the story to avoid surprises and to arm himself with possible defenses. 

Got involved in a motorcycle accident? Contact us at the Coleman Law Group to fight your case. 

727-241-0400

www.ColemanLawGroup.com 

constance@clgfl.com

2901 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713