May is Motorcycle Safety Month: Tips, Statistics, and What to do if You are Hurt

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, which means one thing to Maryland motorcycle riders — getting back on the road to enjoy one of their favorite activities. You are not alone, as enthusiasts throughout the U.S. are also gearing up to ride. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The event is intended to remind motorcyclists about useful tips to protect themselves, since many have not been out for a ride over the winter.

The month-long campaign also provides an opportunity to inform non-riders about responsible, safe ways to share the road. Many motorists point to visibility as being a major concern and contributing factor in motorcycle collisions, so they need to be mindful and exercise proper care when driving. You should reach out to a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney if you were hurt in a crash, since you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. An overview on some of the USDOT statistics and points for safety awareness may also be useful.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Data on motorcycle crashes compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates a positive trend. The number of fatalities in motorcycle crashes dropped from 5,172 in 2017 to 4,985 in 2018 – almost a 5% decrease. However, other statistics reveal the dangers of motorcycle accidents:

• Fatalities among motorcyclists and passengers have more than doubled in number since 1997, partly due to an increase in the number of people riding.
• Motorcycle riders are overrepresented in traffic fatalities. They make up 3% of all registered vehicles, while accounting for around 14% of all fatalities.
• Measured by vehicle miles, motorcyclist fatalities occur approximately 28 times more frequently than deaths in passenger car accidents.
• In 2015, more than 88,000 motorcycle riders suffered injuries in collisions.
• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be hurt than occupants in auto crashes.
• More than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in a fatality or injury for the rider.
• Motorcycle riders have the highest percentage of alcohol impairment in fatal accidents, at 25% – compared to 21% for cars and 2% for semi trucks.

Maryland Department of Transportation data on motorcycle accidents reveals a positive trend. After a spike in 2017 at 85 fatalities, the number of deaths in motorcycle crashes dropped to 58 in 2018. Still, other statistics are concerning:

• There were 941 motorcycle collisions in 2018 that caused injuries to 1,067 people, so motorcycle passengers are just as much at risk as riders.
• Numbers in Baltimore County reveal that motorcycle accidents are on the rise. After 180 crashes in 2017, there were 212 collisions in 2018. The five-year average for the county is 198 motorcycle accidents.
• The timing of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May is a leadoff to the deadliest time of year for crashes: June, July, and August of every year.

Safety Tips During Motorcycle Safety Month and Year-Round

The most important, critical recommendation for protecting yourself on a motorcycle is to wear a helmet. Make sure to purchase one that fits your head properly, and check for the DOT sticker indicating that the model meets relevant safety standards. A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection for your head, neck, and face. In addition:

• Ride a motorcycle that fits you from a weight and height perspective. Keep in mind that “supersport” bikes have rider fatality rates four times those for standard cycles.
• Choose a model with antilock brakes.
• Know the rules of the road in Maryland and any other US state where you ride.
• Never get on a motorcycle after drinking.
• Keep your eyes out for potholes, debris, gravel, oil slicks, water, and other obstructions.
• Do not assume other motorists can see you.
• Never engage in “lane splitting,” which is riding between lanes of traffic.
• Wear brightly colored clothing with reflective tape.

Liability in Maryland Motorcycle Crash Claims

These accidents typically happen because of driver error, which means they fall under the legal theory of negligence. In short, an injury claimant would need to prove that the motorist who caused their injuries, did not exercise reasonable caution when driving and that this negligence caused the injuries to the claimant. However, even when a claimant can prove the essential elements of their motorcycle accident case, they need to be aware of Maryland’s rule on contributory negligence. The rule acts as a defense for the at-fault motorist since the claimant cannot recover anything if they were also negligent in causing or contributing to cause the crash.

Contributory negligence defenses often arise when a claimant files an injury claim with the responsible motorist’s insurance company. Insurers are always looking for reasons to deny compensation, and if there is any carelessness on the part of the injured victim, that carelessness may provide the insurer such an opportunity.

What to do if You are Injured in a Motorcycle Collision

For the reasons mentioned above, it is essential to retain a skilled attorney to handle the claims process. Additional tips on what to do after a motorcycle accident include:

• Get medical care for your injuries right away. Your health and well-being depend on proper treatment, and any delays could adversely affect your rights.
• Other than getting contact information, don’t engage the other driver in conversation. You might reveal too much, especially when it comes to fault.
• Do not talk to the insurance company’s adjuster, other than to confirm basic information like your name and address. Any statements could harm your interests.

Trust Your Case to an Experienced Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Bob Katz Law, our team has in-depth knowledge of the laws that apply to motorcycle crash claims, and we are prepared to take on the challenges involved with these cases. Our attorneys are aggressive in dealing with insurance companies, but we will file a lawsuit in court if necessary to protect your rights. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our office in Baltimore, MD to set up a no-cost consultation today.