Motorcycles, commonly known as bikes,  are an attractive alternative to cars for many Texas consumers because they are typically cheaper to buy, insure, and maintain. Motorcycles appeal to Texans in particular because they offer a greater sense of freedom than bulkier vehicles, like sedans or SUVs. Unfortunately, however, there are tremendous risks associated with motorcycles that might warrant the help of a Carabin Shaw El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer. If you are a motorcyclist who was involved in a crash, our attorneys are standing by to answer your questions.

Why Are Motorcycles so Dangerous?

Because motorcycles are relatively fuel efficient and put less stress on traffic and the roads themselves, they benefit all commuters. That said, many drivers do not watch for motorcyclists and put bikers at risk with negligent or reckless driving. Consequently, the reason why motorcycles are so dangerous has little to do with bikes in particular and more to do with other motorists.

In general, motorcycle accidents across the United States have steadily increased since the late-1990s, and Texas is no exception to this trend. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that in 2016 a total of 4,976 motorcyclists died in accidents. That same year, motorcyclist deaths accounted for 13 percent of all annual crashes—more than double motorcyclist fatalities from 1997.

According to IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), 60 percent of these motorcyclist deaths in 2016 happened in multiple-vehicle crashes. Because motorcyclists do not have a solid, protective frame around them, they are more likely to experience severe, even deadly, injuries in accidents like these.

The El Paso motorcycle injury lawyers with Carabin Shaw are familiar with this data and its tragic consequences and are here to answer any questions you may have about restitution for motorcycle accidents.