A recent motorcycle accident involving a veteran who had been awarded the Purple Heart resonated with the Anchorage community and brought attention to the high rate of motorcycle accidents in our state. Barber and Associates, LLC, an Anchorage personal injury firm, represents those who have been injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the state.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Often Very Serious
Motorcycle accidents claim thousands of lives every year and cause tens of thousands of injuries, according to authorities. Alaska has a particularly high rate of motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries, as shown by the following data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Traffic Fatalities in AK | 62 | 64 | 56 | 72 | 59 |
| Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in AK | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Percentage of traffic fatalities involving motorcycles | 13 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 15 |
On average, 14 percent or one out of every seven people killed in a traffic accident is killed in a motorcycle crash in Alaska.
Motorcycle victims are injured at a very high rate for several reasons. For one thing, motorcycles do not afford much in the way of personal protection when compared to a passenger vehicle. There are no seatbelts and no airbags, and any impact is almost sure to eject the rider or cause him or her to skid dangerously. Another reason that motorcycle victims have such a high injury rate is that drivers of cars do not tend to watch out for motorcycles the way they do for larger vehicles. Many motorcycle accidents involve an at-fault driver who is operating a passenger car or truck.
Many motorcycle accidents also involve alcohol on the part of the driver or the motorcycle rider. If you ride a motorcycle, never drink before riding and always wear an approved safety helmet.
What Should I Do If I Am A Victim?
If you have been the victim of an Alaska motorcycle crash, you may want to find an attorney who can help you protect your rights and recover damages for the injuries you have sustained.
Barber and Associates, LLC has worked with many Alaska motorcycle victims and has helped them recover payments for medical bills, money to cover lost wages and missed time at work, living expenses for themselves and their families and compensation for their pain and suffering. Barber and Associates, LLC in Anchorage may be able to help you recover these types of damages as well. Call them today to learn more.