Background of the issue
Nowadays, we often hear that food delivery riders are involved in an accident or even killed on the road. People sometimes blame them for their unsafe driving behavior without knowing the full story. Keep in mind that motorcyclists are more vulnerable to dangers on the road, and most motorcycles do not come with airbags as a safety feature.
According to FMT, as of August 2021, for every 100 road deaths in Malaysia, 70 were motorcyclists. Our country has surpassed Thailand for having the world’s worst death rate for motorcycle users, with a total of 89,953 of them died on the road between 2001 and 2021. The number of motorcycle accidents has been increasing mainly due to the rise of the gig economy and ride-hailing services.
Back to the topic: What can you do if you, as a motorcyclist, get hit by a car? Let’s understand the factors that cause motorcycle accidents first.
Common factors that cause a collision between the car and motorcycle
2.1 Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions, also commonly referred as frontal collisions, usually occur when two vehicles that are driving in opposite directions collide into one another. According to the traffic-accident report, head injuries (54%) are the most common type of injury linked to traffic fatalities. As motorcyclists do not have much protection as cars during an accident, head-on collisions are often fatal. Fault is usually obvious because one of the drivers was traveling in the wrong direction.
2.2 Road Hazards
We often hear about Malaysians complaining about the poor road condition. Whether it be potholes, loose chippings, and other road hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and collide with other vehicles or objects. As motorcycles only have two-wheels, this significantly increases the chance of them getting into a crash when there are road hazards. Poor weather like slippery floors during a heavy rain also can cause a dangerous situation for a motorcyclist.
2.3 Speeding
Speeding is one of the top factors of road accidents, yet, an avoidable one because it is totally under driver’s control. Not only does speeding increase the chance of an accident happening but also makes the consequences more severe. Crashes at higher speeds are more forceful and thus more likely to be fatal. However, many car drivers continue to speed, some believe arriving at their destination as quickly as possible can save time, some are running late for their work and so on. When one is speeding, they are less able to react to unexpected situations because of less time to reduce the collision impact.
2.4 Alcohol Usage
Accidents involving drunk drivers are often fatal. According to research conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), a drunk driver is 13 times more likely to cause an accident, compared to a sober person. Driving after drinking increases the risk of accidents due to impaired motor skills, indirectly decreases the driver’s concentration level with poor vision, and also affects the driver’s ability to make decisions and react quickly to changing conditions on the road. Drunk driving puts the driver at risk, as well as the other road users.
You accidentally got hit by a car, what now?
Before we dive deep into this question, it is important to understand motorcycles are smaller in size and lighter than vehicles like cars or trucks. Therefore, collisions between cars and motorcycles typically put the motorcyclist in more danger than the other driver. Depending how serious was the accident, there are a few things you can do:
Settle the issue privately among two parties
Make a police report within 24 hours
Take the issue to the trial to ensure full compensation
Unless it is a minor accident where there is no damage or injury, it is still advisable for you to make a police report as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights. Remember to take pictures or videos of the accident scene, visit the hospital, save all bills or other evidence of your damages properly, and contact a motorcycle accidents lawyer in your area. Proving a car driver’s fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone, an experienced lawyer will help you fight for what you deserve.
Key Takeaways
All in all, motorcycles are not always to blame. Always remember every road user has rights as a user, do not be afraid to take legal action, especially when you believe you are innocent. Reach out to your insurance company or speak to a personal injury lawyer in your area for legal assistance.
Drive safe, and don’t forget to follow our social media and share this article with your family and friends to spread awareness!