Michigan motorcyclists are susceptible to severe or fatal injury if involved in a crash with another vehicle. Simply stated, motorcyclists are at much greater risk of injury in an accident because there is no structure to protect the rider. Consequently, a motorcyclist is more likely to suffer disfiguring facial fractures, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries.
Considering the dangers, one would expect bikers to take extra precautions to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely. Some don’t. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), nearly 30% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders with a blood alcohol content legal limit of .08.
The consumption of alcohol often leads to reckless behavior and an increase in speeds, creating a lethal combination on the road. In such circumstances, it becomes essential for individuals involved in motorcycle accidents, particularly those charged with driving under the influence, to seek legal assistance from a skilled Michigan DUI lawyer. Call Michigan Defense Law today at (248) 451-2200 to schedule a consultation.
According to a report on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website:
- Any amount of alcohol in one’s body increases the chance of crashing by five times.
- Someone with Blood Alcohol Content greater than 0.05% has a 40 times greater chance of crashing than someone with no alcohol in their bloodstream;
- 46 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were using alcohol.
The Michigan State Police claims that alcohol was involved in 35 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in the state in 2012.
Many motorcycle wrecks, however, are caused by the negligence of other drivers. That seems to be the case in an accident that occurred on Wednesday, October 2 when a 58-year-old Ortonville motorcyclist was killed after a vehicle pulled out in front of him.
According to reports, a 21-year-old woman turned left out of a McDonald’s parking lot and into the motorcycle’s path around 3 p.m. in Brandon Township. The man died en route to the hospital. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
According to data reported in MotorcycleAccident.org, a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to die of a head injury than one who is wearing one.
Motorcycle riding is a popular activity in Michigan. In fact, there are over a half-million licensed motorcyclists in the state. Many bikers find riding a more enjoyable and less expensive alternative to driving a car or truck. Yet, bikers are uniquely vulnerable. Because they are at higher risk of debilitating injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash, it is incumbent upon every motorcyclist, as well as drivers around them, to take heed and go the extra mile to ensure their safety.
If you or your loved one has been charged with a DUI, DWI, OWI or have been involved in an alcohol-related accident, please contact the Michigan Defense Law for competent, compassionate legal assistance.
What is the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles?
Motorcycles have always been cherished for the sense of freedom, speed, and agility they provide as a means of transportation. However, this exhilarating experience comes with inherent dangers. One significant threat is the possibility of collisions with cars, particularly in the form of left-turn accidents and lane splitting accidents, which are both common and highly perilous.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting refers to the act of maneuvering between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic, often tempting those seeking to save time. Imagine a typical commute plagued by rush-hour congestion; the allure of swiftly navigating between cars on a sleek motorcycle becomes hard to resist. While this maneuver may save a few minutes of travel time, it also significantly increases the risk involved.
Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan. Advocates argue that it reduces the likelihood of rear-end accidents in heavy traffic and helps alleviate congestion. However, opponents highlight the heightened danger it poses to motorcyclists. The close proximity to other vehicles and the sudden appearance of a motorcycle can catch drivers off guard, potentially leading to fatal scenarios if a car changes lanes without noticing the motorcycle. Thus, the consensus is clear: for the sake of your safety, it is best to resist the temptation of lane splitting.
Left Turning
Collisions with cars making left turns represent the most common scenario for motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles can easily go unnoticed in a driver’s blind spot or be misjudged in terms of speed and distance. Examples include a car turning left at an intersection and cutting across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist or a motorcycle attempting to overtake a vehicle. These situations are precarious even for cars, but they prove especially fatal for motorcyclists due to their relatively limited protection and the size difference between motorcycles and cars.
Regardless of the vehicles involved, a left-turn accident can have devastating consequences. However, the risk is amplified for motorcyclists. Without the sturdy metal framework of a car to absorb the impact, a collision can propel a motorcyclist into the air or result in a forceful direct impact, leading to severe injuries or even death.
If you find yourself facing legal challenges related to motorcycle accidents, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Michigan. At Michigan Defense Law, our team of Michigan criminal defense attorneys may be able to help protect your rights, gather evidence, analyze the circumstances surrounding the accident, and if necessary, represent you in court. Contact us today at (248) 451-2200 to schedule a consultation.
| Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane Splitting | Refers to maneuvering between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic, which is illegal in Michigan. It poses a heightened danger to motorcyclists as it can catch drivers off guard, potentially leading to fatal scenarios. |
| Left Turning | Represents the most common scenario for motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles can easily go unnoticed in a driver’s blind spot or be misjudged in terms of speed and distance, making collisions with cars making left turns highly dangerous for motorcyclists. |
Resources:
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (msf-usa.org)
- Michigan State Police (michigan.gov)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov)
source https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/blog/motorcyclists-at-greater-risk-of-injury-in-crashes/
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