Motorcyclist fatalities in the United States are expected to have increased by 10 percent in 2015 compared with 2014 (more than 450 additional fatalities), based on preliminary data supplied to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) by the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This increase follows two years in which the number of motorcyclist fatalities decreased. GHSA estimates the total number of motorcyclist fatalities reported by the 50 states and the District of Columbia for 2015 will be 5,010, compared with 4,548 for 2014. This would be only the third year in which more than 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities were recorded.
Based on these preliminary state data, the SHSO-reported number of motorcyclist fatalities increased 6 percent (prior to adjustment for underreporting), from 4,548 in 2014 to 4,837 in 2015. Motorcyclist fatalities increased in 31 states, decreased in 16 states, and stayed the same in 3 states plus the District of Columbia.
Eight states reported increases of 20 fatalities or more, while only two states reported decreases this large. The largest increase (100) was reported in Florida, and the largest decrease (38) was reported in California.
Missouri motorcycle deaths increased 3% in 2015 with from 87 to 90 (preliminary).
Arkansas increased 26% from 61 to 77 preliminary deaths.
States use various combinations of engineering, enforcement and education countermeasures to address motorcyclist safety, including targeted traffic enforcement in conjunction with public outreach and education.
Many factors contribute to changes in the number of motorcyclist fatalities, including economic conditions, demographics, weather conditions, fuel prices, and the amount of motor vehicle travel. Travel monitoring data published by
FHWA indicates that motor vehicle travel by all vehicles increased by 3.5 percent (+107 billion vehicle miles) in 2015 as compared with 20141. Cumulative travel for 2015 (over 3.1 trillion miles) was the highest number of vehicle miles traveled ever reported by FHWA. Many states noted that warmer and drier weather in 2015 led to an extended riding season.
The number of motorcycle fatalities is high relative to the mid-1990s when half as many motorcyclist deaths occurred on U.S. roads. In contrast, the annual number of overall traffic fatalities declined by more than 20 percent over the same 20-year period.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Call Police and File a Report
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, even if no one was injured, call the police immediately and file an accident report. Insurance companies will use an accident report to determine fault and how they will compensate those involved. Interviews with all involved in the motorcycle accident should be included in the report, from those actually involved in the accident to any witnesses. You should also collect the names and phone numbers of these people for your own use. Although the police may take photographs or draw diagrams, you should take your own photos of your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved in the accident if possible.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
Most importantly, regardless of fault, motorcycle accident victims should not treat their injuries casually. Often injuries may not be apparent immediately, but the thrashing and jerking from a motorcycle crash can lead to stiffening and joint pain later. Common injuries from a motorcycle accident include serious cuts and bruises, head and neck injuries, brain damage, full to partial paralysis, and joint, bone, and muscle injuries. Accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they believe they are injured. Don’t wait until later when you have caused greater problems for yourself. Take photos of your injuries and keep the clothes you were wearing in the accident if possible. They may be useful in your case.
Hire an Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Insurance Attorney
If you were injured and require medical attention, you should consider contacting motorcycle accident insurance attorney in Arkansas to prevent the insurance companies from taking advantage of you and not covering all the expenses they should. Motorcycle accident claims for damages resulting from injuries usually depend on medical records linking the accident to the injuries received. The more time elapses between the auto accident and the treatment, the more difficult it is to prove a connection.
Please call us today for a free initial consultation about your motorcycle accident case with no obligation to hire us as your attorney and no fee collected unless we win compensation for you. Call me at 1800 345-0535 or 417 883-5886.