Every now and then, newspapers and television stations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, publish news reports about a motorcycle accident in or around the city or some other part of New Mexico. Sadly, many of these motorcycle crashes result in serious injuries or death. Being unprotected, unlike in a car, motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious harm in the event of an accident with another vehicle, as the sheer size and momentum of a larger vehicle can cause extensive damage to a motorcycle and its rider.
According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents accounted for 4,957 deaths and 93,000 injuries in the year 2012. According to the report, motorcycle fatalities have increased by seven percent since 2011. During the same period, the number of injuries caused by motorcycle accidents increased by 15 percent.
Considering these figures, a person can safely conclude that motorcycle accidents are potential killers. Therefore, authorities in Albuquerque, the rest of New Mexico, and other parts of the country should and do make special efforts to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents.
New Mexico laws require all motorcycle riders under the age of 17 years to wear a helmet. However, that does not mean that motorcyclists who are over 17 years old can ignore the importance of a helmet. The use of a helmet can prevent head injuries, meaning they can protect a rider from serious harm and maybe even save his or her life. However, just because motorcyclists can take preventative measures it does not mean that other motorists do not have to be aware of and drive safely around them.
The consequences of a motorcycle accident are usually serious for the victim and his or her family. For example, if a victim is a wage-earning member of the family, a serious injury could leave the family in a financially tough spot. However, if a motorcycle wreck is caused by another motorist, it may be possible for the victim to recover compensation on a theory of negligence, such as distraction, failure to yield, speeding, etc. If necessary, that victim may wish to seek professional guidance when filing a personal injury claim.
Source: NHTSA.DOT.gov, “Motorcycles,” accessed in Sept. 18, 2014