Motorcycles are without a doubt a fun and exciting way to travel. However, when involved in a crash, motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of suffering catastrophic injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle deaths occur 30 times more than fatalities in other vehicles and motorcyclists are 5 times more likely to be injured.
There are many myths that surround the increased crash risk that motorcyclists face. Debunking these myths is important to improving motorcycle safety. If drivers of all vehicles on the road have a better understanding of motorcycle driving laws and techniques, we can better share the road and keep everyone safe.
Myth #1: The motorcyclist is always at fault in a crash. Many people believe that motorcycles are more likely to crash because motorcycle drivers are reckless, use poor judgment, and take more risks. While many motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error, even the most careful and experienced motorcyclists can find themselves involved in a dangerous crash. This is because so many other variables contribute to a crash. Crash statistics show that a significant number of crashes are instead caused by uneven pavement, weather, potholes, roadway debris, and inattentive vehicle operators.
Myth #2: Lane sharing is dangerous and illegal. It is quite common, especially in large groups, to see motorcyclists riding side-by-side in the same lane on high speed highways. Many people believe this action is illegal and that traffic laws require motorcycles to travel single-file just the same as other motor vehicles. But this is not the case. Two motorcycles riding next to each other in the same lane is legal. In fact, the action is not even referenced in KRS traffic laws.
Myth #3: Riding on surface streets is safer than riding on the freeway. This is not true. In fact, surface streets tend to present more dangers to motorcyclists than freeways. Motorcyclists on the freeway tend to drive the same speed as other vehicles. Vigilance surrounding lane changes is a motorcycle driver’s primary concern. On surface streets there are many other dangers. Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, as other vehicle drivers can fail to yield right-of-way to motorcycles or simply do not see them.
Myth #4: If you were partially at fault for the accident, you cannot seek any compensation. Particularly in group pile-ups where many vehicles are involved, it can be difficult to determine which driver was ultimately at fault for causing the crash. Even if the motorcycle driver shares some blame, if they sustain injuries in the crash, they may still be able to receive financial compensation from the insurance companies of the other drivers to help pay for their medical expenses.
A Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine how you can proceed with your case. If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle crash, The Law Office of Todd W. Burris will see that you receive maximum compensation to pay for medical bills and lost wages. Contact our experienced legal team today for a free, no-obligation consultation of your case.
