As the weather continues to warm, more and more motorcyclists will be hitting the Virginia roadways. Unfortunately, this means your risk of being injured or killed in a Virginia Beach motorcycle accident jumps exponentially.
In this article, our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys take a look at some local and national statistics concerning fatal motorcycle collisions and how they relate to you.
Local Statistics
Virginia’s winding roads and gorgeous scenery make for some of the best motorcycle terrain. Unfortunately, this also means than many riders lose their lives each year. In 2009:
- 77 fatalities were reported involving motorcycle crashes.
- That number is down from 2007, in which 129 fatalities were reported.
- The average age of victims was between 20 and 49 years old.
- The largest concentration of fatal accidents occurred in Virginia Beach.
Top Three Types of Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident can come in many ways. However, the top accidents included front-end collisions and collisions with stationary objects, such as:
- Trees
- Utility poles
- Buildings
A Look at National Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to lose their lives in a motor accident than those riding in passengers cars. According to the NHTSA:
- 4,810 motorcycle riders lost their lives in 2006
- Approximately 88,000 people were injured
- The leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents is head injuries
- 11 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. involve motorcycles
Alcohol Involvement
The NHTSA reports that in 2010, nearly 29 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved those whose blood-alcohol content (BAC) was at .08 or higher. In addition, those between the ages of 20 and 24 are the leading culprits of riding while under the influence.
No Matter What You Do…You Are Still at Risk
No matter what safety precautions you take as a motorcyclist, you can’t control the driving habits of those with whom you share the Virginia roadways. Their negligence can lead to you or a loved one suffering a serious personal injury. You could end up not being able to work and/or earn a living.
Building Your Case
No matter how slight your injuries are, you might be able to hold the negligent party liable for your damages. However, building a successful personal injury case is not that simple. That is why you should call one of our Virginia Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at Tavss Fletcher
Our experienced team has helped countless personal injury victims get the medical attention and compensation they deserve. Call us today at (757) 625-1214, and let us help you defend your compensation rights.