Avoid falling for these motorcycle accident myths

High-speed motorcycle accidents can result in death or catastrophic injuries. Other motorcycle mishaps seem insignificant by comparison. They can involve laying the bike down or experiencing a rear-end tap from a car. The rider may remain mounted or fall slowly to the pavement, sustaining a few bruises or, at worst, a mild fracture.

Motorcycle riders may assume that a gentle collision is harmless. They might be wrong.

Myth #1: The rider feels no pain, so there are no injuries.

Minor crashes that do not even result in property damage may cause bikers to think visiting a doctor is unnecessary. After all, if there is no pain, there must not be an injury.

However, this assumption is wrong. Adrenaline can mask pain, and seemingly minor injuries can end up being major. They sometimes remain hidden for days to weeks, especially when it comes to traumatic brain injuries. People may be wise to see a doctor after an accident no matter what. Delays can cost lives.

Myth #2: Drivers need not exchange insurance information for a small accident.

The rider who felt no pain will undoubtedly feel it in his or her bank account from lacking proof of insurance or any legal identification from the driver who sideswiped the motorcycle. The truck driver did not stop. The biker has extensive medical bills from weeks in the hospital, rehabilitation therapy, loss of employment and severe mental deficits. Sadly, the motorcycle rider did not realize it can be a good idea to get insurance and ID any time two motor vehicles make contact, even if it appears no one was injured.  

Myth #3: Small sportbikes are safer than regular motorcycles.

Sportbikes have a high-power, low-weight ratio. This ratio allows faster speeds and decreases stability. Brakes are also not as sturdy as those on regular motorcycles. Ultra-powerful super sportbikes can reach over 150 miles per hour. Sportbike riders are far more likely to incur fatalities than riders on regular motorcycles. All motorcyclist fatalities increased 14.3 percent between 2016 and 2017, reports the Governors Highway Safety Association. Younger, less experienced riders are attracted to sports models and take more risks.