The potential for personal injury from a motorcycle accident is great. Unlike cars, motorcycles have no shell protecting the rider from the full force of the impact in a crash. As a result, a fall from the motorcycle often results in serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries.

According the US Department of Transportation, in 2006 more than 100,000 motorcycle accidents occurred in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over two–thirds of motorcycle fatalities involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. Often another car on the road doesn't see the motorcycle at all, or is unable to avoid a crash once they do see the motorcyclist. Further, crashes often occur as the result of car and motorcycle drivers responding to the same road conditions in different ways, making it difficult for each to anticipate the other driver's actions.

In an effort to increase motorcycle safety and awareness, NHTSA has created motorcycle safety initiatives which combine education outreach, legislation and enforcement to prevent crashes and to minimize the risk of personal injury when a crash occurs. Through these initiatives NHTSA hopes to promote motorcyclist education and licensing, increase motorist awareness of motorcycles, and decrease the number of motorcyclists driving while impaired and increase helmet use. Click here for California helmet laws. Further, as part of its outreach program, NHTSA has designated each May as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month."

Unfortunately, despite efforts to educate the public – including motorists and motorcyclists about motorcycle accident prevention – accidents and injuries still occur.

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, possible damages include medical bills, physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of wages and where the injuries are severe, loss of companionship and even wrongful death.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact Sette Law Office. For over fifteen years he has successfully and aggressively represented thousands of individuals and families in personal injury and death cases caused by motorcycle accidents. He is dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.