We all have dreams and plans for our retirement and if you are a biker, you may dream of finally having the time to explore Kentucky’s scenic rural areas on your motorcycle. Motorcycling provides the rewards of excitement, convenience and a reduced carbon footprint, but it carries some significant risks as well.
Motorcyclists vulnerable in crashes
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to injuries or fatalities if they are involved in a collision with an automobile. Motorcycles are smaller in size and weight than an automobile, meaning the automobile has more force in the event of a crash. Moreover, motorcycles do not provide riders with the structural protections inherent in cars. This makes motorcyclists more susceptible to injuries if they are hit by a car.
2020 statistics on motorcycle accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2020, approximately 5,580 motorcyclists lost their lives after being involved in a collision. Of these, 30% involved a motorcyclist aged 50 or above. In 2020, 26% of motorcycle fatalities involved a rider under age 30.
Men comprised the majority of motorcycle fatalities in 2020 at 92%. Older men were especially vulnerable to being killed in a motorcycle crash. Of the women who lost their lives in a motorcycle crash in 2020, 61% were passengers on the bike.
A motorcycle accident in Kentucky can cause life-long injuries or even fatalities. When the crash is caused by a negligent driver, the injured motorcyclist may have the opportunity to take legal action. A personal injury lawsuit is a complex undertaking and one that many people choose to discuss with an attorney.