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Driving at high speeds is one of the most dangerous things you can do as a driver on the road. The risk increases for motorcycle riders, who have to worry about increased challenges to visibility and safety given their smaller rides. According to the NHTSA, of motorcycle riders who were involved in fatal crashes in 2020, 34% of them were speeding. That’s higher than the rate for passenger vehicles (22%) and truck drivers (23%).
If you’re a motorcyclist, you must follow suggested safety guidelines. This includes wearing appropriate gear and respecting the rules of the road. Even then, driving a motorcycle comes with inherent danger. For one, it can be hard for car drivers or truck drivers to see you on the road. Then, if you do get into a motorcycle accident, your vehicle comes with far less protection than a car or truck does for its passengers.
In the DC metro area, we have unique challenges. We often have drivers from different states traversing roads they are less familiar with, which can lead to distractions. It can also lead to speeding if unexpected traffic delays cause drivers to potentially miss an important event or appointment, as an example. If a driver from Maryland ends up in DC during peak rush hour trying to navigate unfamiliar areas, it can even more easily lead to accidents. Add speeding into that mix and it can be a dangerous combination.
Whether due to speeding or some other circumstances, motorcycle accidents can be incredibly harmful to all those involved. If you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, we are here to help. At Regan Zambri Long, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers has the experience you need to make sure you are compensated for your accident. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss the specifics of your case.
The reasons a motorcyclist might speed are really no different than why any other driver on the road would do so. However, due to their small size and lack of protection, the choice can be far more dangerous. Regardless of why a driver might be speeding, it’s important to remember none of those reasons are worth causing or being involved in a fatal accident. In 2020, there were 11,258 deaths caused by speeding , according to the NHTSA. In fact, they found speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities that year.
Here are some reasons the NHTSA says a motorcyclist might be driven to speed:
Motorcycles are far more susceptible to crashes, which means drivers need to be paying even more attention when they are on the road. In many cases, a motorcyclist needs to approach driving differently than if they were behind the wheel of a four-wheel vehicle. A motorcycle will be harder to control in situations with inclement weather, as an example, which would demand increased mental focus as well as physical balance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle fatalities have been increasing since 2011. In 2011, there were 4,630 motorcycle accident fatalities compared to 5,579 in 2020.
Just like any other driver on the road, a motorcycle driver who is caught speeding can face a hefty fine or ticket that could stay on their record. However, speeding has far greater safety implications for a motorcyclist as well as other drivers they may come across.
If you are choosing to speed behind the wheel, you may:
Speeding down a highway increases the risk that if you are in an accident, that accident could result in more serious consequences to both you and other drivers on the road. As a driver you must be diligent and alert about dangers on the road.
Many motorcycle accidents end up with some kind of injury due to the lack of protection for the motorcyclist. If speeding is involved, those injuries can be exacerbated by the force of the collision.
Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Even if you don’t think you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should seek medical attention right away. In some cases, you may have internal injuries that only a doctor can diagnose. Or it’s possible that adrenaline at an accident scene keeps you from realizing the extent of pain you may be experiencing. Keep every document or medical bill from a doctor, as it could become very important in helping you get financial compensation to recover from your injuries.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important every motorcycle accident scene is properly documented. This includes evidence of any injuries or damages incurred in the accident. If a driver caused the accident due to speeding, the accident could cause more severe injuries.
Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident:
There are many reasons you may end up in a motorcycle accident – whether you’re a car on the road or a motorcyclist yourself. Maybe you were speeding and could not stop your motorcycle in time. Or perhaps you were obeying the rules of the road and a bigger vehicle was speeding and did not see you and caused you to crash. Whatever the case may be, you deserve to get justice.
If you’ve been injured in a speeding motorcycle accident in the DC metro area, you should be focused on recovering from your injuries, not fighting with insurance companies. Your insurance company will try to do everything it can to pay out as little as possible to motorcycle accident victims. It’s important you speak to an attorney before giving any statements or accepting any sort of deal with your insurance company.
In accidents where one party was speeding, the damages are often far greater due to the force of the collision. This means your road to recovery may take some time and effort.
You should not have to attempt to recover from your motorcycle accident alone. An experienced DC Metro area motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover:
At Regan Zambri Long, our team of motorcycle lawyers will take a look at your case in a free consultation. There’s no risk to you to see how we can help you deal with insurance companies, investigate accident details, and recover medical bills or calculate potential lost future wages.
The first thing your lawyer will need to do is determine the fault of your accident. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will investigate the cause of your crash by using expert witnesses and other professionals to help reconstruct your accident scene. These details will help ensure your case is strong heading into negotiations with your insurance company. Or, as needed, in the courtroom.
Whether you’re traveling through DC, Maryland, or Virginia, the roads are dangerous for motorcycle drivers. From increased traffic to drivers who may not be familiar with that jurisdiction’s roads, accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. When that reason is speed, things become even more dangerous.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident caused by speeding, it only increases the chances of greater injuries and damages. Do not try and fight for your recovery alone. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long is here to help. We have been helping motorcycle accident victims recover from their injuries so they can focus on their recovery. We have the experience, expertise, and determination to ensure you receive maximum compensation to get back on your feet.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t make anything unless we win your case.
