What Makes Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?

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Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ

Though any accident on the roadway can be dangerous, motorcycle accidents are arguably more dangerous than any other type of motor vehicle accident. Motorcyclists often find their lives irrevocably changed in the wake of an accident — paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and other substantial impairments count among the many unsurprising consequences of a serious motorcycle accident. Litigating claims that center around catastrophic, life-changing injuries is quite a challenge, as the stakes are fundamentally high. Plaintiffs must be careful to consult with an experienced team of attorneys that have had demonstrated success litigating similar motorcycle accident disputes.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party, then New Jersey law may give you a right of action for damages. Contact Folkman Law today for a free consultation.

So, what makes motorcycles so dangerous? Let’s take a brief look at a few concerning factors.

Inherent Risks

Motorcyclists are subject to certain “inherent risks” due to the physical construction of the vehicle itself.

In a car, for example, the driver and passenger(s) are protected by airbag systems, belts, and perhaps most importantly, the basic structural integrity of the car frame itself. When a car collides with a solid object, the force of impact will be absorbed to some extent by the frame itself. In fact, car manufactures design the frame to fold and crumple at certain capacities so as to further absorb and spread the force of impact (and thereby protect those inside from harm).

By contrast, a motorcyclist has no access to a belt, airbag, or an external frame that will absorb the force of impact. If a motorcyclist collides with another vehicle or object at a sufficiently high speed, then they will very likely be thrown off the motorcycle and further injured due to the secondary collision with the ground. The substantial force of impact brought about by the collision — without the benefit of a car frame absorbing the force and spreading it across a wide surface area — will be applied directly to the motorcyclist, which can cause blunt, slashing, or penetrative trauma that threatens severe or even fatal injuries.

Motorcyclists and an Active Road Presence

Though most drivers are cursorily aware of the possibility of motorcycles sharing the road with them, there are many who simply do not expect to encounter a motorcycle and may not react appropriately. These drivers may not understand how to respond to a motorcycle that is attempting to merge into their line, for example, and may not leave sufficient room for a safe merge. Alternatively, these drivers may not notice the presence of a motorcycle before it is too late to prevent a collision. These visual issues can be further compounded by the fact that motorcycles have a smaller profile and are therefore more difficult to notice on a tense roadway or in poor weather conditions.

Contact Folkman Law for a Free Consultation

At Folkman Law, our team of attorneys boasts decades of experience working with injured motorcyclists in New Jersey, helping them secure compensation for their losses, either through a negotiated settlement or in a trial litigation.

As motorcycle accidents are fundamentally more dangerous than other motor vehicle accidents, success for the plaintiff not only involves “winning” the case, but also involves the maximization of damages (so that all losses can be adequately covered). Thanks to the breadth and depth of our litigation experience, we are well-equipped to do so on behalf of our clients.

Ready to speak to a qualified attorney about your claims? Call 856-354-9444 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Cherry Hill motorcycle accident attorney at our firm. We are standing by 24/7 to respond to any and all inquiries.