Motorcycle Accident Fatalities Higher for Senior Riders

No one is stating that seniors should not ride motorcycles. A motorcyclist could be killed or suffer severe injuries in a motorcycle accident at any age. However, there could be a correlation between the age of the rider and the risk of traumatic injuries and fatalities in a motorcycle accident.

As the number of seniors continues to increase in America, the number of motorcyclists over the age of 60 will also likely increase in the coming years. However, at least one report indicates that motorcyclists over the age of 60 have a higher fatality rate in motorcycle accidents compared to other age groups. In addition, the severity of injuries for motorcyclists over the age of 65 years can also be greater compared to the severity of injuries for a younger rider.

Motorcycle Fatalities Increase Across the Board

Fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents in 2016 were higher than they had been in any of the previous eight years. From 2015 to 2016, motorcycle fatalities increased by 5.1 percent in the United States. A factor in the increase in motorcycle accident deaths may also be the increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. With an increased number of riders on the road, an increase in the number of deaths may be expected.

However, the risk of death for older motorcyclists appear to be much higher compared to other age groups. The overall increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2016 was far less than the increase for riders 60 and above. The death rate in motorcycle accidents involving riders aged 60 years or above rose 21.5 percent in 2016.  That is four times the overall increase in motorcycle fatalities that year.

Also, at least one study indicates that older riders sustain more serious injuries compared to younger riders in motorcycle crashes. Decreases in reaction time and vision are two factors cited as possible causes. In addition, larger motorcycles that may roll over more often and an increase in fragility for older motorcyclists may also be causes for the severity of injuries sustained by older riders.

Illinois Motorcyclists Killed and Injured in 2016

During 2016, 154 motorcyclists were killed,and 2,692 motorcyclists were injured in motorcycle accidents in Illinois. The age group with the highest number of deaths and injuries in Illinois motorcycle crashes in 2016 were 45 years and older. Approximately 44 percent of the deaths and 38 percent of the injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents that year were in the 45 years and older age group.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Chicago?

Unfortunately, many motorcycle crashes occur, even when practicing motorcycle safety, through no fault of the rider. Therefore, the age of the rider does not necessarily factor into the cause of the crash, even though the age of the rider may be a factor in the risk of death or traumatic injury.

Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

• Other drivers being distracted and colliding with a rider
• Failure to yield the right of way (turning left in front of a motorcyclist)
• Motorcyclists being rear-ended at intersections
• Defective motorcycle parts
• Poor weather conditions
• Hazardous road conditions
• Impaired driving (alcohol and drugs)
• Speeding and reckless driving

When another party is responsible for causing the motorcycle crash, that party can be held liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries and damages.

Recovering Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Motorcycle Crash

Common injuries associated with a motorcycle crash include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injury and other head injuries
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Paralysis and amputation
• Death

To recover compensation for these injuries, accident victims need to file a motorcycle accident claim. A Chicago motorcycle accident attorney investigates the cause of the crash, identifies the responsible parties, and gathers evidence to prove fault and liability.

Call a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

Don’t allow an insurance company to blame your injuries on your age. Even though your age may place you at a higher risk of serious injuries, you deserve full compensation for injuries caused by another party.