Personal Injury
Defective ProductsHigh Motorcycle Ownership Contributes to Rise in Accidents, Notes Spokane Car Accident Lawyer
As the fifth largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Spokane in Spokane County, Washington has more motorcyclists than any other city in the U.S. Sadly, these riding enthusiasts have also contributed to the state's doubling of motorcycle fatalities from 2008 to 2009.
According to a Media Audit study, Spokane, Washington had the most motorcycle owners in the U.S. Among Spokane adults,18.5 percent own a motorcycle, as opposed to just to 9 percent for all U.S. adults.
"Regrettably, this disproportionate number of motorcyclists translates into more motorcycle accidents and injuries," noted motorcycle accident attorney and motorcycle enthusiast, Brian Chase. "These riders don't have the cocoon of steel protecting them, nor are they restrained by seat belts or air bags during a motorcycle crash. It's no wonder motorcyclists sustain such severe fractures, spinal and traumatic brain injuries, even loss of life."
Most motorcycle injury lawyers know that the majority of motorcyclists are not wild road warriors. According to a Media Audit report, 59 percent of motorcycle owners are married with an average age of 41 years. Adult motorcycle owners have an annual household income of $77,714 -- which is $12,424 higher than the average U.S. adult.
"In 20 percent of all motorcycle accidents, the rider is not to blame," noted John Bisnar, motorcycle accident attorney. "Many motorcycle accidents are the result of unsafe roadways, street hazards, or product defects. Other bikers are injured because drivers in cars or SUVs hit them or turn in front of them."
Statistically, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die and eight times more likely to be injured in an accident than drivers of other motor vehicles. FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) reports show a number of reasons for motorcycle fatalities in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes:
- Over 80 percent of the fatalities occur off roadway
- Almost two thirds of the fatalities were associated with speeding
- Almost 60 percent of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night
- Collision with a fixed object is a significant factor in over half of the fatalities
- More riders age 40 and over are getting killed
- Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists below 50 percent
- More motorcyclist fatalities are occurring on rural roads
- High blood alcohol levels are a major problem among motorcycle operators
- Half of the fatalities are related to negotiating a curve prior to the crash
To get the advice you need, read "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Personal Injury Claim" by California personal injury attorney John Bisnar. The book is free to accident victims--just go to www.BestAttorneyBooks.com to get a copy sent to you, or you can buy one at www.Amazon.com. Please contact our Orange County car accident lawyers by calling us tool free at 800-561-4887 or use the information below.
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