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Posted on April 19, 2023 in Personal Injury
Given that cars are involved in more accidents than motorcycles, you might conclude that motorcycles are safer than cars. However, that is not necessarily the case, as motorcycles also make up a far smaller portion of the overall vehicles on the road. Moreover, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be much more severe, as these vehicles do not offer their riders the protective structure of a car.
Riding a motorcycle is inherently riskier than driving a car because it is a smaller vehicle that is easy for other motorists to overlook and offers minimal protection in the event of a collision. While wearing a helmet and practicing defensive driving techniques can help you protect yourself from injury, they cannot eliminate the risks. Consider the following:
The odds of surviving a car accident depend on the collision’s severity. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that there were 11,320,000 motor vehicle collisions in one recent year, 37,750 of which involved at least one fatality.
But here’s a sobering fact: the NSC also estimates that Americans have a 1 in 93 lifetime chance of dying in a motor vehicle accident. Although these odds are higher than for motorcycle accidents, remember that far fewer people ride motorcycles.
In South Carolina, 597 people were killed in car accidents in one recent year, with 1,463 people sustaining serious injuries. A staggering 28,731 people were less seriously injured.
The NSC reports that Americans have a lifetime 1 in 747 chance of dying in a motorcycle accident. However, this number is misleading, as far fewer people ride motorcycles than ride in cars. The same organization also found that while motorcycles make up about 3 percent of registered vehicles and a scant 0.6 percent of vehicle miles traveled in this country, their riders account for a staggering 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.
In one recent year, 113 motorcyclists were killed, 320 were seriously injured, and 1,087 suffered less severe injuries on South Carolina roads.
Driving a car is significantly safer than riding a motorcycle. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that, in a collision, motorcyclists are about four times likelier to be injured and 28 times likelier to die than a passenger vehicle occupant.
At The Melonakos Law Firm, we understand that your case is about more than money, as the motorcycle accident has likely affected your relationships with loved ones and your ability to earn a living. But we also know that financial security is the best path to leading a full and rewarding life after an accident. We are ready to pursue the maximum compensation you need to build a brighter future after a motorcycle crash in South Carolina.
Call or contact us online today for a free consultation with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney.
Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.
