Although motorcyclists across the United States account for less than 1% of all traffic on the road, they are involved in nearly 15% of all fatal collisions. Motorcyclists may enjoy riding in the fresh and cool breeze, but their exposed bodies leave them extremely vulnerable to the impact of other vehicles.
One of the leading problems we see in Utah surrounding motorcycle accidents is instances where sudden or unexpected stops on the road. These stops can leave to serious collisions and life-threatening injuries. It is crucial for all motorists to remain aware of other drivers’ intentions on the roadways. This is especially true for motorcyclists. Sudden swerves and abrupt stops can pose endless hazards and pose a serious risk for rear-end collisions to occur.
The dangers for motorcyclists are major in cases of sudden stops, regardless of whether they are making a sudden stop or another motorist. Motorcycle accident attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen consider the dangers for motorcyclists in various situations.
When Motorcyclists Rear-End Other Vehicles
When other vehicles are traveling down the roadway and stop suddenly ahead of motorcycles, they can cause motorcyclists to rear-end their vehicles. Although motorcycles are substantially smaller than most other vehicles on the roadway and do not require as much time to stop, the hazards of making a sudden stop are incredibly high.
To try to avoid a rear-end collision, motorcyclists often swerve away to miss the vehicles ahead. Sometimes, they lose control of their vehicles, causing them to skid. These types of crashes can be devastating to motorcyclists, especially considering the injuries they are at risk of suffering from and how vulnerable their bodies are while skidding along the roadways.
Injuries Motorcyclists Sustain When Rear-Ending Other Motorists
When motorcyclists rear-end vehicles on the roadways, they are at an increased risk of being ejected from their vehicle. Ejections can, and often do, result in serious head traumas, major lacerations, broken or severed bones, or spinal cord injuries. Another increased risk motorcyclists face is the possibility of sustaining road rash as they skid along the roadways. Even if a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet and proper gear, they are still at great risk of sustaining serious and life-threatening injuries.
When Motorcyclists Are Rear Ended
Unfortunately, the risk of injury is also high in accidents where another vehicle rear-ends a motorcycle. In these accidents, motorcyclists are often thrown from their vehicles as well. Additionally, motorcyclists are at further risk of being run over by the vehicles after they rear-end them.
Motorcyclists who are rear-ended, and even run over, are at an increased risk of suffering critical spine, organ, and brain damage in their accidents. These incidents can prove to be fatal, depending on the speed a vehicle is traveling at the time of the collision. Even with helmets and protective gear, the amount of nature of trauma sustained by a motorcyclist when struck from behind can be substantial.
How To Avoid Motorcycle Accidents Caused By Sudden Stops
Although it is impossible for motorcyclists to protect themselves from every possible danger on the roadway, there are some tips they can practice to help alleviate the possibilities of accidents. Some of the things motorcyclists should do are:
Always Follow The Posted Speed Limit: Speed limits are designed to help ensure people are able to slow down properly, even in emergencies. By staying within the speed limit, and not exceeding the limits, motorcyclists are able to help protect themselves on the road.
Maintain A Safe Distance Between Yourself And Other Vehicles On The Road: By allowing enough space between your vehicle and others on the road, you are able to ensure you have enough time and distance to stop safely should someone make a sudden stop ahead of you. IT is recommended for motorcyclists to maintain a few cars length of distance between themselves and others.
Be Aware Of What Is Going On: It is imperative to keep your eyes on the roads at all times. Pay attention to other vehicles on the roadways and how they are acting. If they continue to brake often, try to change lanes or reduce your speed to stay away from them. Pay attention to the conditions of the roads ahead and always be cautious and aware of what is going on.
Avoid All Sources Of Distractions: It is crucial for motorcyclists to pay clear and continual attention while driving. It is crucial to remain free of distractions. Do not use cellular phones or play with radios or GPS systems while driving. Do not engage in rubbernecking and try to avoid all and any source of distraction whenever operating your vehicle.
By engaging in responsible and attentive behaviors while in control of your motorcycle, you are less likely to become the victim of a motorcycle accident while traveling through Utah. Should you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident, caused by a negligent or reckless driver, it is imperative to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah, it is imperative to contact an attorney from Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. You may be able to obtain compensation for injuries and damages sustained in your crash.
For over 30-years, Siegfried & Jensen have helped accident victims throughout out state collect over $850 million in compensation for their personal injury claims and we are dedicated to helping those injured today get the maximum amount of compensation and justice they are entitled to.
Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys have represented clients on even the most challenging cases with positive outcomes for victims and their families. We Work diligently to ensure victims are able to protect their legal rights and hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions. If you were injured in a car accident, by no fault of your own, contact an attorney at Siegfried & Jensen at (801) 266-0999 to schedule a free case evaluation to see what legal options are available for you.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
