Once seen as the rebel sport of renegade greasers and rugged outlaw gangs, motorcycle riding has swelled in popularity among the mainstream. According to the National Automobile Drivers Association, motorcycle purchases have ballooned by nearly 50 percent the last several years. About 1.1 million motorcycles were sold in 2006 alone.
Riding has gone mainstream.
Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan understands that in Colorado, motorcycle registrations are steadily climbing. In fact, nearly 180,000 motorcycles were registered in 2010 – an increase of about 2.5 percent over the previous year.
This is great news for our pocketbooks (in terms of fuel efficiency) and our conscious (it’s better for the environment). Unfortunately, it does increase the chances for motorcycle accidents in Fort Collins and across the country. In fact, the number of motorcycle riders killed in crashes is higher than ever – it’s now at a rate of 35 for every 100 million miles traveled, as compared with about 2 for every 100 million miles for passenger cars and trucks.
In the 11 years between 1997 and 2006, the Motorcycle Industry Council reported that the number of motorcycle fatalities spiked by 127 percent. Even just from 2005 to 2006, the number of riders killed was up about 5 percent, from about 4,500 to about 4,800.
This also doesn’t include the approximately 88,000 riders who are injured in motor vehicle accidents each year.
Fort Collins motorcycle injuries can be life-altering. Many riders may suffer from temporary ailments such as scrapes, bruises, burns and broken bones. Other times, the injuries are far more serious. These include paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. Fatalities are also a real possibility.
Facts to consider regarding motorcycle injuries:
- About a third of motorcycle accidents that aren’t fatal do involve the rider having some incapacitating injuries. Motorcyclists were three times more likely than other motorists to be injured in a crash.
- It is very likely that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins, you will be injured. According to the University of Southern California, the rate of motorcycle injuries is 98 percent when there are multiple vehicles involved and 96 percent when it’s a single vehicle crash.
- More than 45 percent of motorcycle injuries are serious and require hospitalization.
- About 50 percent of all motorcycle injuries impact your lower region, namely your thigh, knee, leg, ankle or foot.
- Groin injuries were reported in about 13 percent of crashes, usually in frontal wrecks with another vehicle.
- Crash bars don’t prevent injury.
- A motorcycle’s size, as well as high speed and alcohol all played high as factors in crashes resulting in injury.
- The deadliest motorcycle injuries were to the head and chest.
Some common types of motorcycle injuries include:
- Traumatic brain or head injury;
- Road Rash
- Scarring or burns;
- Knee damage;
- Shoulder injury;
- Whiplash
- Muscle, back, joint, neck or bone injuries;
- Damage to spinal cord;
- Paralysis – this can also include quadriplegia, which is loss of full use of both your arms and legs;
Sometimes, the injury sustained in a motorcycle accident is immediately apparent. There might be a lot of blood, physical pain or obvious wounds. However, certain injuries may not be noticeable until days later. These can include whiplash, sprains and sometimes even broken bones or head injuries. This is why it is so important if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident to contact an attorney who is experienced in these types of cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Collins motorcycle accident, you need the experience and dedication of Colorado Injury Attorney Steve Shanahan. Consultations are free, and Shanahan isn’t paid unless you win. Justice shouldn’t be left to chance.
Fort Collins Accident Attorney – 970-204-9999 – Free Consultation