Motorcycle riders are very vulnerable on the roads with trucks, SUVs, and even automobiles. In fact, the majority of motorcycle collisions lead to serious injury and often death. Motorcycle riders injured by drivers that fail to identify them on the road or cause a collision with a motorcycle

rider, are responsible for the damages caused to the motorcycle rider.

Goodson & Company has handled, successfully, many motorcycle collision cases.

There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. Unfortunately, motorcycle crash fatalities amount to 5% of all highway deaths each year, yet motorcycles represent just 2% of the registered vehicles on the roadways in the U.S. An obvious reason for motorcyclists to be fatally injured in crashes is due to the zero bodily protection a motorcycle provides in a crash situation. 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to automobile crash injuries and death at a rate of 20%.

To prepare for crash avoidance, a new motorcycle operator should always attend a

motorcycle rider training course to be educated on how to safely operate a bike and purchase the proper clothing for riding. A motorcycle operator must be far more careful and aware of his/her surroundings than an automobile operator. It takes much more skill and coordination to operate a bike than a car.

Driving defensively is key. For instance, a biker must pay special attention at intersections for vehicles that may unexpectedly pull out into the motorcycle’s path, as well as watch road surfaces and traffic ahead to anticipate problems.

Drivers’ inability to recognize and detect motorcycles on the road is the predominate cause of motorcycle-auto collisions. Studies have found that in these types of crashes it is the fault of the vehicle driver 75% of the time.

Motorists should remember that a motorcycle is a vehicle with all the same privileges on the road. Give the motorcycle a full lane of travel. Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely.

Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive action for a hazard, if necessary. For instance, when encountering a pothole, gravel, slippery pavement, and railroad crossings a rider may need to take evasive action.

Remember, a motorcyclist could be your friend, family member, doctor, dentist, lawyer – look twice for motorcycles.