Riding a motorcycle is one of the most dangerous means of highway transportation. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists account for 13% of all traffic fatalities. Riders are 25 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic accident and 5 times more likely to be injured. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, motorcycling remains an extremely popular mode of travel: in 2009, there were nearly 8 million registered motorcycles in the United States, a number that has steadily increased over the last decade. Of course, more motorcycles on the roadways leads to more Missouri and Illinois car and motorcycle accidents and crashes.

To avoid a motorcycle crash and motorcycle injury, motorcycle safety is absolutely something that bikers themselves must take seriously. But a closer look at the numbers reveals that everyone on the road has a role to play in preventing motorcycle accidents. In 2009, nearly half of all motorcycles that were involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle. The most common type of collision (40%) occurred when a vehicle turning left collided with a motorcycle that was going straight or passing another vehicle. The second most common type of collision (27%) occurred when both vehicles were going straight.

A major reason for these conditions is lack of motorcycle visibility. Whether it’s a crowded multi-lane highway or a two-lane road in the middle of nowhere, motorcycles have a way of seeming invisible to drivers of other vehicles. While there are measures that a biker should take to make themselves more visible and compensate for this characteristic, other drivers also need to make sure that they are looking out for motorcycles.

This is part of the reason that NHTSA has launched the “Share the Road” campaign, aimed at increasing driver awareness of motorcycles. As part of this campaign, NHTSA and local transportation agencies are reminding all drivers to follow some basic guidelines to keep motorcyclists safe:

• Road users are reminded to never drive, bike, or walk while distracted. Doing so can result in tragic consequences for motorcyclists.
• A motorcycle has the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the roadway.
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem that there is enough room in the traffic lane for a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
• Because motorcycles are small, they can be difficult for other road users to see them, or judge their speed and distance as they approach.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Because of its smaller size, a motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Always check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals may not be self-canceling and motorcyclists sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may change speed or adjust position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
• Allow more following distance -- three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle so the motorcycle rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

The number of fatal Michigan motorcycle accidents is on the increase compared to 2007.  According to numbers released from the Office of Highway Safety Planning, motorcyclists are more likely to be in a fatal motor vehicle accident than almost any other type of driver.  Unfortunately, however, these accidents accidents are often caused by drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs who fail to notice or look out for motorcycles while they are driving.

The increase in fatal motorcycle accidents is even more alarming because it bucks the trend of an overal decrease in the number of fatal traffic accidents.  Car accidents were down 10% overall, while the number of accidents involving property damage or personal injury also declined.  Because of this, it is important that every motorcyclist be extra cautious when driving in heavy traffic, since it is clear drivers of other vehicles do not pay attention to motorcycles.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan motorcycle accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by visiting our law firm web site.  We will send it along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan motorcycle accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan Motorcycle accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

It has been my experience that motorcyclists are often the most careful drivers on the road.  Nonetheless, many drivers blame them if they are involved in accidents.  This is simply not right, since, very often, the drivers themselves are at fault for failing to keep an eye out for motorcycles.  Unfortunately, when car and truck drivers are negligent, it is usually the motorcyclists who pay the price.

Traffic accidents have a disproportionate effect on motorcyclists as compared to the rest of the driving population.  For every 100,000 registered vehicles, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was 3.6 times higher than the fatality rate for passenger car occupants.  And, based on figures from 1999, motorcyclists were about 18 times as likely to die in motor vehicle accidents as passenger car occupants.

The fact is, even when the motorcyclist is doing everything right, he or she is still at a significantly higher risk of injury or death than a passenger or driver in a car or truck.  Because of that, there are a variety of training and safety courses that use a classroom component and a driving/range component to teach motorcyclists how to handle less than ideal driving situations, including how to handle other drivers on the road.  More information about these courses can be found in the Training/Education Classes section of this website.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan motorcycle accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by calling our office.  We will send it along with other important information. 

For more information about Michigan motorcycle accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan Motorcycle accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

The number of Michigan motorcycle accidents has been rising for nearly a decade.  This includes the number of catastrophic motorcycle accidents, in which there is a personal injury or significant property damage, as well as fatal motorcycle accidents, which now account for a growing portion — now approximately 10% — of all fatal vehicular accidents.

There is some evidence that the increase in motorcycle accidents is connected to the worsening economy.  During warmer weather, statistics show that some people used their motorcycle more to commute to and from work.  Possible explanations for this include saving money on gas, shortening the commute, and the desire to enjoy riding more often.  Unfortunately, too often, drivers of cars, SUVs, and trucks ignore motorcyclists and fail to keep a proper lookout for them.  Then, when an accident happens, it is almost always the motorcyclist who is injured.

Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Other drivers failing to check their blind spots while switching lanes
• Other drivers rear-ending motorcycles
• Other drivers cutting off a motorcycle

A person who is injured in a motorcycle accident has several possible legal claims that arise out of the accident.  A biker may be able to submit a claim for No Fault insurance if the accident involved a car or truck.  Or the biker may be able to submit a claim for the insurance they have on the motorcycle, including PL/PD insurance or Med Pay insurance.  Finally, a biker may be able to sue the other driver if that driver caused the accident.

Because the motorcyclist’s legal rights will depend on the exact nature of his or her injuries and on the circumstances of the accident, the motorcyclist or a family member should contact an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.  This will help the accident victim determine what he or she can do and will keep them from missing a deadline with the court or insurance company that could result in them forfeiting their rights.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com. If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

Motorcycle safety is an important goal for riders, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies alike.  Law enforcement and regulatory agencies track accident statistics to analyze the causes of accidents so they can be prevented in the future.  Whatever anyone thinks of a particular traffic regulation, virtually everyone can agree that roads need to be safer for motorcyclists so they can enjoy their ride.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) annual report on Fatal Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes noted some disturbing trends.

• Over a ten year period, more riders age 40 and over are dieing in accidents
• More motorcyclist fatalities are occurring on rural roads
• High Blood Alcohol Contact (BAC) levels are a major problem among motorcycle operators who are involved in accidents
• Half of the fatalities reported are related to negotiating a curve prior to a crash
• Over 80% of fatalities occur off the roadway
• Undivided roadways account for a majority of fatalities
• Almost two-thirds of fatalities were associated with speeding
• Almost 60% of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night
• Collision with a fixed object is a significant factor in over 50% of fatal accidents
• Breaking and steering maneuvers possibly contribute for almost 25% of fatal accidents
• Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists remains below 50%
• Almost one-third of fatally injured motorcycle operators did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license

The consequences of these findings are significant but they effect the individual biker in various ways.  An individual motorcyclist can do little to encourage greater use of divided highways, but these findings may be used in future traffic studies. 

There are, however, important things a motorcyclist can learn from these statistics. 

First, motorcyclists should use caution while negotiating curves, breaking, and engaging in complicated steering maneuvers. 

Second, motorcyclists may wish to use extra caution when biking at night or on rural roads. 

Third, motorcyclists should carefully monitor their consumption of alcohol and never drink and drive. 

Fourth, motorcyclists should educate themselves on Michigan’s helmet law and make an informed decision on their use of helmets and other safety measures, that is based on Michigan’s helmet law and well-reasoned arguments put forth by motorcyclist organizations, such as ABATE of Michigan. 

Finally, motorcyclists should maintain and enhance their knowledge of Michigan’s motorcycle licensing and registration laws as well as know their insurance options to make sure they have the proper coverage in case they are involved in a motorcycle accident.  The content on this website is a great place to start.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan motorcycle accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by calling our law firm.  We will send it along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan motorcycle accident cases, visit our law firm web site at http://www.buckfirelaw.com/.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan Motorcycle accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.