31 Jan What are the Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accidents?
Both motorcycle and car accidents can lead to extensive injuries, property damage, and loss of life. Our law firm addresses these incidents all the time, but there are some distinctions. This article will cover the difference between motorcycle and car accidents, particularly regarding injury prevalence.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common problem in New York, given our high population density, and heavy traffic congestion. Gruenberg Kelly Della receives a steady flow of clients who’ve been the victim of rear-end collisions, side-impact collisions, and head-on collisions.
To make matters worse, automotive accidents sometimes occur when the guilty party doesn’t even possess valid insurance or licensing. Common aggravating factors also include drunk driving, distracted driving, and aggressive lane changing.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are distinct from other car accidents and truck accidents because they’re much smaller vehicles with greater exposure to danger for the driver. As you’ll see below, the injury and fatality rates for these accidents are substantially higher. Motorcycles also pose safety risks because, unlike other vehicles, they don’t protect drivers with seat belts, air bags, or any type of enclosure.
What Are Some Other Differences?
- Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer permanent or longer-lasting injuries.
- Motorcyclists, even while wearing a helmet, carry a greater risk of experiencing a traumatic-brain-injury (TBI) or serious spinal injury.
- Motorcycle injuries often involve longer hospital stays, heftier medical expenses, and longer losses of income.
Important Statistics for Motorcycle and Car Accidents
- Motorcycle accidents contribute to 30 times higher fatalities than car accidents.
- There are roughly two million automobile disabling injuries in each year.
- Among all motorcycle accidents, 8% of them result in at least some kind of injury, up to and including death.
- About 75% of car accident victims still suffer the effects of the collision six months afterward.
- Despite the fact that motorcycles only account for 2% of registered vehicles, they comprise 5% of all highway fatalities.
Hopefully, this underscores the magnitude of the problem with automobile accidents in America. You never know when this might happen to you or someone you love.
As always, if you’ve suffered from any vehicular accident (even as a pedestrian), we invite you to contact Gruenberg Kelly Della for assistance. Many accidents involve negligence or reckless driving, and the victims have a right to restitution. Call us anytime to learn more about automotive accidents and our reliable legal counsel at 631-737-4110.