When you hop on a motorcycle and cruise Lexington you sometimes have a destination in mind. Sometimes you just go where the road takes you. The journey is part of the enjoyment. Of course, you trust that you’ll return home safe and sound.
As a rider, you know the risks of the road when you’re on two wheels. Another motorist can lose track of you, come over into your space, run you right off the road. In the worst-case scenario, a careless driver coming head-on can veer into you, leading to one of the most dangerous situations for anyone on a motorcycle.
Head-On Crashes Add Extreme Force
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that three-fourths of all motorcycle crashes involve a head-on or frontal impact. In head-on crashes, the impact can be nearly double that of another type of accident. The speed of both vehicles ramming each other from opposite directions multiples the force of the collision. That extra power can leave an unprotected biker in a deadly spot.
In Kentucky in 2018, only three percent of all motor vehicle accidents were considered head-on collisions, but the results were deadly. Kentucky State Police confirm that despite that small number of cases over a third of those head-on accidents resulted in a fatality.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
As a rider, you see your share of bad drivers on the road. You spend your road trips looking out for mistakes other drivers may make at any moment. Traffic can get busy around in and around Lexington and caution is always your greatest defense. Here are some of the common mistakes drivers can make that could separate your from your bike:
- Motorists making left turns into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These maneuvers cause over half of all motorcycle accidents involving two vehicles.
- Distracted driving, like talking on a phone, texting, eating, talking to passengers, or even attending to personal grooming is on the increase.
- Drivers making unsafe lane changes and not checking their blind spots.
- Exceeding the speed limit. This reduces the possibility of a motorist seeing and reacting to a motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.
- Intersections are a particularly dangerous spot. Motorists running red lights and stop signs or otherwise failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Drunk driving, drugged driving, or both. Alcohol and drugs substantially impair a motorist’s judgment, reflexes, and depth perception.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists can gear-up with all the latest armor and safety devices but they are still more at risk to serious injuries than anyone else on the road. Bikers can expect severe injuries in a crash, especially with the added violence of a head-on accident. Here are some of those injuries, any of which could require multiple surgeries:
- Traumatic brain (TBI) and spinal cord injuries.
- Multiple fractures.
- Injuries to the bones and discs of the spine.
- Internal organ damage.
- Facial fractures and significant dental injuries.
- Road rash carrying the risk of severe infection.
Contact a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The injuries left behind after a head-on collision can lead to a lengthy and expensive recovery. You may lose time at work and you may not have considered how long it could be before you can get back on a bike. If another driver’s mistake caused your accident you should not have to rebuild your life on your own.
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. Contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today to discuss your legal options.
