New research by American and Canadian medical researchers adds to our understanding of the risks of riding a motorcycle and the cost of accidents.
An analysis of 80,000 motorcycle accidents by researchers at the University of Indiana found that motorcycle passengers are less likely than motorcycle drivers to wear helmets, and more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Meanwhile, a study by Canadian researchers indicates that motorcycle accidents pose a much greater financial threat than typical automobile accidents as well.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Most Common
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Surgery, found that motorcycle passengers were more likely to be ejected in a crash and traumatic brain injuries were more common.
Motorcycle passengers experienced TBIs in 40 percent of collisions compared to 36 percent for motorcycle drivers. Being thrown from a motorcycle at a high rate of speed may cause too violent of an impact for a motorcycle helmet to be protective.
Motorcycle Accident Costs
Based on an analysis of motorcycle accidents and car crashes resulting in a hospital visit between 2007 and 2013 in Ontario, researchers in Canada found that the rate of severe injury was 10 times greater in motorcycle crashes than in car accidents.
The researchers estimated that when considering the average medical costs associated with serious and fatal motorcycle accidents, each registered rider is costing the Canadian healthcare system about 6 times more than each registered driver of a regular automobile. The research was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Reasons Why Motorcycle Crashes are So Much Worse
The primary reason why motorcycle collisions cause more severe injuries and so much financial devastation is that motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed passenger compartment and are more exposed to the violent forces of a crash. Riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries in the event of a crash.
Minor impacts that would cause mere ‘fender benders’ in a car can be deadly to a rider who strikes his head or is thrown onto the pavement of an active lane of traffic.
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by automobile drivers who fail to perceive motorcyclists in traffic or misjudge the motorcycle’s speed and cause crashes.
Austin Motorcycle Crash Lawyer
If you are an injured rider with large medical bills to pay, you should understand your options for seeking compensation. You may be facing a lengthy absence from work due to your injuries. You may have permanent injuries caused by head or spinal injuries including the loss of the use of part of your body.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s careless or negligent driving, you may be entitled to compensation. But there are strict time limits on how long you can wait to pursue your case. For nearly 60 years, the experienced and dedicated attorneys of Byrd, Davis, Alden & Henrichson, LLP have been representing injured motorists in Austin and the surrounding areas of Texas. We offer a case review at no charge. Contact us to schedule your confidential free consultation today.
