Blog Post

What Is A Major Cause Of Death In Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle ownership is growing across the country and in the state of Arizona. For a time, motorcycle riders were mostly males who were in their early 40s. These days, the number of women who are registering motorcycles is increasing rapidly. This trend is also true for younger riders. It is easy to understand how riding a motorcycle is such an exciting leisurely activity, but it is always important to remember that motorcycles are incredibly dangerous. Catastrophic and deadly outcomes often occur as a result of a motorcycle accident. There are many types of injuries that can lead to fatal consequences when it comes to reviewing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Chuck Franklin Law understands what the major causes of death in motorcycles accidents are, and how to ensure your legal rights remain protected if you suffer injuries or losses as a result of a motorcycle crash. To learn more about your legal rights, and help you understand the type of compensation you may receive for your injuries and losses, contact our experienced legal team to schedule a free consultation at 480-545-0700 today.

Arizona Crash Statistics

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported that in 2020, there were 98,778 total crashes in the state. Approximately 970 of these crashes resulted in deaths. That year alone there were 2,317 total motorcycle crashes. Those who lost their lives in a motorcycle accident in Arizona did so mostly between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, these motorcycle accidents resulted 160 deaths in this one year alone. The number of physical injury motorcycle accidents totaled nearly 2,000.

These sobering statistics illustrate that out of the 2,317 motorcycle accidents the state of Arizona in 2020, only 355 did not have a serious injury or deadly outcome. Unfortunately, those victims that suffered injuries or deaths as a result of a motorcycle accident often did so as a result of another negligent or careless driver.

Dangers of Motorcycles

Riding a motorcycle can be incredibly dangerous. Because motorcycle accidents produce such consistent and devastating outcomes, victims that are harmed in these incidents may incur financial devastation associated with their astronomical medical bills and inability to return to work. For example, in motorcycle accidents when there was more than one lower-body injury, the median cost to the patient was $38,608. For patients with lower-body injuries that accompanied other physical bodily harm, the estimated cost to the patient was $56,288. These amounts do not include the loss of wages and income as a result of being unable to return to work as a result of these injuries. In order to receive justice and compensation following a motorcycle accident, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim. To learn more about the personal injury claim process in the state of Arizona, contact the experienced personal injury legal team at Chuck Franklin Law.

Common Injuries Resulting From a Motorcycle Accident

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that lower-extremity injuries happen with the highest frequency after a motorcycle accident. These injuries are seen the most in level one and level two trauma centers of hospitals. These lower-extremity injuries are followed in frequency by person’s upper-extremities, which can include their head, chest, internal organs, and spine. Although lower-extremity injuries occur more frequently than upper-extremity injuries, it is those that take place in the upper extremities of a person’s body that have the most severe health outcomes. The upper-extremities such as the head, chest, and abdomen contain vital organs necessary to sustain life. So, if the heart, lungs, or brain are badly injured, there is an increased risk for the injury to be fatal.

Major Causes of Death in Motorcycle Accidents

While many motorcycle accidents result in injuries, some result in the death of a rider. Some of the major causes of death in motorcycle accidents include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries often occur as a result of a motorcycle accident. Victims that sustain head injuries can suffer life-long, debilitating limitations. Traumatic brain injuries can cause the following symptoms:

• Chronic headaches
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Inability to speak clearly
• Loss of balance and uncontrollable bouts of dizziness
• Issues with light and sound
• Tinnitus
• Loss of smell
• Unclear and blurred vision
• Feeling disoriented
• Memory issues
• Problems concentrating
• Easily getting confused
• Emotion and mood issues
• Having a hard time sleeping
• Seizures
• Fluids coming out of the nose and ears
• Loss of coordination
• Coma
• Development of cognitive disease

Unfortunately, in many cases, a traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident can result in death. If you, or a loved one suffered any kind of trauma, loss, or injury following a motorcycle accident, consider contacting Chuck Franklin to learn how to receive justice.

Crushing Injuries

Another major cause of death in a motorcycle accident is the result of a crushing injury. Motorcycles do not offer riders much surrounding protection. Consequently, motorcycle riders involved in serious accidents often suffer crushing injuries, which result in spinal cord damage or internal organ damage. In these cases, a motorcycle victim may suffer paralysis or even death.

Failure To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet

Wearing any safety gear that is available can prevent or reduce the severity of injuries in a motorcycle accident. While safety gear will stop a motorcycle accident from happening or guarantee the preservation of life, motorcycle helmets are by far the most important thing that motorcycle riders can wear.

Each state is different with respect to the helmet laws and other gear that is required while operating a motorcycle. In Arizona, all riders aged 18 years and older are not required by law to wear a helmet, however, face protection such as goggles, glasses, or face shields are mandated. While motorcycle helmets are not mandatory when riding a motorcycle in Arizona, statistics overwhelming point to their ability to save lives. The failure to wear a motorcycle helmet is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents as a result of injuries that often occur to the head and brain in a motorcycle crash.

Consider Visiting with an Experienced Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

The guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help victims understand all of their legal options to receive compensation for their injuries and losses under the law following a motorcycle accident. Call the experienced Arizona motorcycle accident attorney Chuck Franklin at 480-545-0700 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.