In nearly every way that an automobile accident can inflict damage, motorcyclists suffer a worse fate. It’s important that anyone who takes a motorcycle on the road understands the increased risk of bodily harm, vehicle damage, and insurance costs that they can expect in case they are involved in an accident.
Increased Risk of Bodily Harm
In a modern automobile, the occupants are protected by thoroughly safety-tested frames that are designed to compensate for the force of an accident with various systems like airbags and strategic crumpling. Even with these enhancements, automobile accidents resulted in over 30,000 deaths and many more casualties. A motorcycle has less bulk, affording it less space to implement the safety features seen in automobiles that are already struggling to prevent injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has long considered motorcycles to be one of the single-most hazardous vehicles operated on roadways thanks to the limited amount of protection they offer to riders, even after the push for universal helmet laws came to fruition.
Increased Damage to the Vehicle
When a motorcycle is in an accident, there is a larger amount of vital equipment exposed to the impact than in conventional automobiles. A wreck that causes a broken window and a bent frame for a car could do enough damage to a motorcycle’s engine to require a full replacement.
Increased Insurance Liability
The cost of insuring a motorcycle will typically be over 40% higher than the cost of typical passenger vehicles before driver history is taken into account. On top of the costs of mechanical and medical services, a motorcycle accident can result in higher insurance premiums depending on the temperament of your provider. When that time comes, you’ll want to have a partner like Oliver Insurance in your corner.
