St Louis Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
Home > St. Louis Personal Injury Resource Center > Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 5,290 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents, which was an increase of about 2 percent from 2007, when 5,174 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle crashes. However, there were about 96,000 motorcyclists injured in collisions during 2008, which was a significant decrease from the year before, when approximately 103,000 were injured in motorcycle crashes.
In Missouri, 102 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in 2008. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), approximately 80 percent of motorcycle collisions in Missouri result in injury or death. Additionally, 99 percent of the people who die as a result of these crashes are the motorcyclist.
This, along with other Missouri traffic accident statistics, prompted the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety to launch a campaign encouraging motorists to share the road called "Look. Learn. Arrive Alive." in the hopes of reducing the number of Missourians who lose their lives in traffic accidents every year.
Causes of Missouri Motorcycle Crashes
There are many factors that can cause a St. Louis motorcycle crash, including:
- The inability of a motorist to see the motorcyclist. This is one of the most common causes of a motorcycle crash. Generally fault is attributed to a motorist who fails completely to perceive the presence of a motorcyclist.
- The quality of the roadway. Often, debris, potholes, uneven roads, curbs, or roadside barriers cause motorcycle collisions.
- The speed of the motorcyclist. This is particularly a problem when the speed of the motorcyclist is different (either greater or lower) than the speed of traffic. This results in a motorcyclist either crashing into a vehicle when it comes to a stop or getting crashed into by a vehicle behind them when they stop. The seriousness of injuries increases as speed rises.
- The experience and skills of the motorcyclist can either cause or help prevent a St. Louis motorcycle accident.
- Bad weather and how a motorcyclist or motorist reacts to it.
Motorists driving aggressively, distracted, fatigued, or recklessly can also cause a St. Louis motorcycle accident, as can driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A variety of injuries can result from a St. Louis motorcycle collision. Common injuries include concussions; brain damage, often a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI); breakage of bones or joints—the most common breakages are the pelvis and the shoulder; spine and neck injuries; skin and muscle damage, commonly referred to as road rash; and nerve damage to the upper arm, which is a condition known as "biker's arm" and results in permanent paralysis of arm movement. Facial disfigurement also occurs often in the absence of a full-face helmet.
Wearing a helmet is one of the most crucial things a motorcyclist can do to help reduce the severity of injuries they could receive if they are involved in a St. Louis motorcycle crash. While many states don't have legislature pertaining to helmet use, Missouri law requires all motorcyclists to wear a DOT-approved helmet when riding. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists' lives in 2008, and believes that an additional 823 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. In fact, a motorcyclist who isn't wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to die in an accident than a motorcyclist with a helmet. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to wear other protective gear like gloves, jackets, pants, boots, vests, and goggles to help prevent serious injury.
If you have been injured in a St. Louis motorcycle accident and believe it was due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. You could receive damages for hospital bills, ongoing medical expenses if you require further treatment, loss of present and future wages, pain and suffering, motorcycle damage, and more.
The St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys at Page Law can talk with you to help you understand your legal options following a Missouri motorcycle crash. Call us today at 314-322-8515. We offer free consultations.
St. Louis Personal Injury Resource Center
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
