The Number of Motorcycle Riders Increases in Hampton Roads, Virginia and Across the Country

by Emily Mapp Brannon ebrannon@hsinjurylaw.com

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Emily is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s latest statistics reveal that approximately 5,000,000 (that’s right, FIVE MILLION!) motorcycles are registered in the United States, and that number continues to grow every year. According to the United States Census Bureau there were nearly 80, 000 motorcycles registered in Virginia in 2005. This popular trend is reinforced by the approximately 5,700 major motorcycle dealerships that have reported dramatic increases in sales in recent years.

As a personal injury attorney, I know that with these staggering statistics there will certainly be an increase in accidents involving bikers. The New York Times states that the number of motorcycle injuries and deaths has significantly increased every year over the past 7 years, as has the percentage of injuries and deaths in relation to registered owners of motorcycles. As we are litigating cases for motorcyclists, we have learned that usually it is the car or truck at fault, not the biker.

Unfortunately for the many riders out there, the likelihood of being injured in a motorcycle accident is much greater due to the lack of protection you have while riding. The Virginia Department of Transportation, has implemented a program, The Motorcycle Safety Action Team, whose mission is to improve safety for riders on Virginia roads. Programs like these are important in keeping the roads safe for riders, but they aren’t always enough. If you injured in a motorcycle accident, or in an automobile accident, make sure you rights are protected by hiring a lawyer to represent you.