CDC: Motorcycle Deaths Double in Recent Decade

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, while traffic accidents involving cars and trucks have sunk to an all-time low, motorcycle crashes rose 55 percent between the years 1999 and 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 385 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in California. Only two other states had a higher death toll. These statistics illustrate the depth of the problem related to motorcycle riders and their passengers, who face a significantly higher risk of injury or death when involved in collisions.

The CDC further reports that between 2001 and 2008 more than 34,000 riders died in traffic accidents. Another 1 million plus were injured and taken to emergency rooms for treatment. Those with the highest rate of death or injury were 20 to 24 years old followed by 25 to 29 year-olds. Motorcycle accident injuries also increased during those years. In 2001 approximately 120,000 motorcycle injuries occurred while in 2008 the number had jumped to 175,000.

The NHTSA reports that the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents is a head injury. Those motorcyclists who don't wear a helmet increase their risk of a head injury death by 40 percent and their risk of a nonfatal injury by 15 percent. In California it is against the law for a motorcyclist or his passenger to ride without a safety helmet.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Motorcyclists and their passengers face a much higher risk of injury or death than occupants of cars and trucks. Because of this, they should exercise caution and common sense when in dense traffic areas such as the southern California region. Many causes for motorcycle accidents can occur from road hazards, weather conditions, and unsafe maneuvering of a bike to blind spots, mechanical problems, and having limited visibility to other motorists.

For those who are injured or who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's misconduct or negligence, the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus provides experienced legal assistance. Mr. Marcus has been practicing personal injury and wrongful death law exclusively since 1987. He has recovered more than $100 million for clients in the past three decades. With that kind of experience and proven case results, you can be confident that your case will be handled with outstanding care and professionalism. The firm serves greater Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Pasadena, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks. Contact their offices for a free consultation to learn more about your case and how the legal team can help you.