Cruiser motorcycles are involved in a large percentage of car-motorcycle accidents. Cruisers are at a higher risk for certain types of accidents than other types of motorcycles. What to do if your cruiser has been involved in an accident.
Cruiser motorcycles are by far the most popular type of motorcycle in the U.S., and they currently account for 60% of the American motorcycle market. These types of motorcycles, which mimic the design of the classic Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles of the 1930s-1960s, are now so popular that they are manufactured not only by Harley and Indian, but all bike manufacturers, including Honda, Suzuki, and BMW.
Unfortunately, the popularity of cruisers also means that they are involved in a large percentage of car-motorcycle accidents. Cruisers also tend to be very expensive, and many cruiser owners invest hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in building and customizing their bikes, making the bikes one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable.
The majority of car-motorcycle accidents are the fault of the driver of the car. If you are a cruiser owner and you were involved in a car-motorcycle accident in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, or elsewhere in Maricopa County, you should contact an Arizona motorcycle attorney to discuss your case.
About Cruiser Motorcycles
When most people think of motorcycles, the first image that comes to mind is a cruiser. This classic motorcycle style is defined by a “Western saddle” riding position that places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly. This style makes the bikes more comfortable, especially for long-distance riding. The popular custom bikes known as choppers are also classified as cruisers.
Cruisers are often large, and therefore do not have as much speed or turning ability as other types of bikes.
Risk for Accidents
Cruisers are at a higher risk for certain types of accidents than other types of motorcycles. Due to their slower speed, less momentum for stopping, and fewer taillights, cruisers are at risk for rear-end collisions caused by tailgating drivers. Rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of the driver of the rear vehicle, as it is their responsibility to allow enough distance to stop safely.
Like all other types of motorcycles, cruisers are also at high risk for accidents at intersections due to the other driver not seeing the motorcycle. Two-thirds of cruiser accidents are caused by the other driver not seeing the bike and failing to obey the bike’s right-of-way.
Risk for Injury
Like all motorcycle riders, cruiser riders are at a much greater risk for severe injuries and even death than automobile drivers, even if they are wearing a helmet or other safety equipment. Injuries may include head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and broken bones.
Bike Damage
As mentioned earlier, cruisers are often custom projects that owners invest large amounts of time and money in, making them much harder to replace than a standard bike or car. Appraising the amount due to an owner for damage to a custom bike can be difficult to do, and insurance companies will try to give you as little as possible. Before accepting a settlement from an insurance company, you should consult with your attorney and consider it carefully.
