Philadelphia Motorcycle Accidents Claims and Statistics

Messa & Associates outline some of the statistics of motorcycle accident claims in Philadelphia, including crash death rates, likelihood of injuries and possible risks.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics

2005 Statistics provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflect that there were over 86,000 injuries and more than 4,500 deaths in motorcycle accidents. The NHTSA also reports that, per mile traveled motorcyclists were eight times more likely to be injured and 37 times more likely to die than a passenger automobile occupant in a motor vehicle accident. For every 100 million miles traveled, motorcycle accidents showed a 42% occupant fatality rate, which is an 87% increase from 1995. NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle accident fatalities i.e 37 out off every 100 deaths could have been prevented had the motorcyclist been wearing a helmet. It is clear that operating a motorcycle is a contributing factor in likelihood of serious injury.

Slick roads, snow, DUI, using a cell phone, text messaging, all contribute to these motorcycle statistics. Oftentimes some of our clients come to us because they were injured due to someone's reckless driving on a Philadelphia road. We all know there are possible risks when riding a motorcycle and serious harm can occur. If you have been injured, seek medical attention and then contact a motorcycle accident attorney to represent you.

While riding a motorcycle can be dangerous enterprise as witnessed by the statistics, the possibility of improving the safety of motorcycle riders can be accomplished by:

• Educating the driving public at large about motorcycles and their capabilities and limitations
• Motorcyclists must avoid drinking and riding (even small amounts of alcohol impair response time)
• Motorcyclists can improve their chances of surviving a crash by wearing a safety helmet.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and are deciding whether or not you should file a lawsuit, don't hesitate to call the Philadelphia offices of Messa & Associates at 866.403.4LAW (4529) or complete our quick contact web form.