Ask any motorcyclist and they will most likely tell you that there is no feeling like hitting the open road on their iron horse. But it certainly does not come without its own set of risks. In this article about motorcycle fatalities, we will look at the increased risk that motorcycle riders have in experiencing fatal and severe accidents, how to minimise them and even how to make a claim in the event of being involved in an accident.
Whenever bikers share the road with cars and trucks, there is often a trade-off. They exchange four-wheel safety and security for the sense of highway freedom that only a motorcycle can give. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs, that trade-off often means that motorcyclists are placed in an environment where they may experience serious injuries that can change their lives forever.
Is There An Increased Risk Of Danger?
Everyday riders are at an increased risk of danger due to driver negligence and even their own risky behaviour.
So far this year motorcyclists have made up 29 of the 140 fatalities on Queensland roads which is an alarming 11.5% increase on the total motorcycle fatalities in 2019. Â Motorcycle accidents can be serious and because of the vulnerability of a motorcyclist during a collision, these accidents tend to be significantly more serious than a car accident. Unfortunately, many motorcycle collisions turn out to be fatal, and others can cause catastrophic and serious injuries that are debilitating and even life-changing.
The term serious injuries isn’t a casual phrase and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Serious Injuries Associated With Motorcycle Accident Claims Can Include:
- Unconsciousness
- Significant burns
- Broken bones
- Road rash and severe bruising
- Severe lacerations
- Skull, chest, or abdominal injuries
Furthermore, catastrophic motorcycle injuries fit within the above guidelines, but the term catastrophic usually includes conditions with severe issues such as below.
7 Severe Motorcycle Accident Claim Issues Include:
- Spinal injuries with complete or partial paralysis
- Traumatic amputations
- Damaged internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Blindness and Deafness
- Multiple fractures
- Brain injuries with neurological damage
Catastrophic injuries usually cause impairments and lifestyle changes that last a lifetime.
While there will always be some risk of severe injury when riding, there are a few things that motorcyclists can do to minimise their risk.
How To Minimise Motorcycle Injuries
- Always wear a helmet and protective attire
- Ride Sober
- Pay attention to the weather
- No risky manoeuvres
- Take a riding safety course
- Limit riding after dark
At the end of the day, you cannot control others’ actions. Given the high number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year, it is essential that riders be adequately trained and licensed prior to hitting the open road.
If you have been injured while riding your motorcycle and want to know if you should make a motorcycle accident claim you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover. At Brisbane Lawyers we will provide you with full consultation at no cost to you, and we will advise you as to your best options moving forward. Call or contact us today on 1300 695 299.
