Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation. Since the invention of the first gas engine bike in 1885, motorcycles have been ridden to get people where they need to go. The first motorcycle wreck is not recorded in history books but it’s safe to say that whenever and where ever motorcyclists hit the road, motorcycle wrecks can happen.
During the first World War, motorcycles were used to bring messages to the front lines and to spy on the enemy. Motorcycles are fast and maneuverable across all types of terrain. After WWI the history of the motorcycle continues as civilians discovered what a great means of transportation a motorbike can be.
In 1920 Harley Davidson was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles. Another World War introduced another generation to how wonderful motorcycle riding is. After World War II, the first recreational biker clubs were formed. Riders wanted to continue the experience that many learned when serving their country.
Honda started building bikes in the late 1940’s. In the 50’s, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha all begin manufacturing motorcycles too. Today these 4 motorcycle manufacturers, along with Harley Davidson, build most of the motorcycles ridden in the United States and around the world.
Worldwide there is a high demand for motorcycles. Motorcycles are a great choice of transportation for many regardless of where they live. In Louisiana, about 12% of licensed drivers use a motorcycle as their main means of transportation.
When you ride a motorcycle, regardless of your driving history, just being on a bike makes you a target for a motorcycle wreck. Motorcycles wreck fatalities make up 8% of all fatalities caused by a wreck in the state of Louisiana.
Calcasieu Parish is in the top 3 parishes who lose citizens due to fatalities from motorcycle crashes. That statistic is difficult to reduce. For all the good things about motorcycles, they have a huge drawback. Motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in a motorcycle wreck than any other group of motorists.
The main reasons that motorcycle riders are involved in motorcycle wrecks are bad weather, bad parts, bigger vehicles, and walkers not paying attention. 10% of all motorcycle crashes are caused by the four things listed above.
Bad weather causes poor road conditions quickly. Slick pavement and bad visibility due to heavy rains and/or fog led to motorcycle wrecks. The motorcyclist isn’t always at fault. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see and when coupled with bad weather conditions, the likelihood of a motorcycle wreck increases.
Bad parts and faulty equipment or parts are another reason motorcycle wrecks happen. A tire blows that had a defect. The engine misfires and stalls due to a connection not being cleaned properly and the motorcycle rider suffers injuries when they are thrown from the bike. These factors cause motorcycle wrecks without the rider even knowing they had a bike with a bad tire or part. It is not their fault.
Vehicles that are larger than a motorcycle are what 88% of the licensed driving population uses. That means that any time a motorcycle is on the road, there are about 8 larger vehicles on the road at all times too. Larger vehicles don’t always see motorcyclists and that causes motorcycle wrecks.
Walkers who aren’t paying attention wonder onto the roadway causing the motorbike rider to swerve to avoid them. Distracted or negligent pedestrians are another cause of motorcycle crashes.
Regardless of the reason, if you are involved in a motorcycle wreck call NCR Legal. Their history of getting you paid for injuries and lost time from work is solid. Put their local experienced law team to work for you.