According to a recent federal report about motorcycle accidents in 2010, the costs and injuries of such wrecks totaled $16 billion -- an amazing number, made even more amazing when you consider long-term medical costs were not factored into the figure. Federal officials say long-term medical factors are too difficult to accurately calculate, thus they were not incorporated into the report.

In addition, the report found that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in an accident than their counterparts in other vehicles. This is not too surprising, given the very nature of motorcycles and the vulnerable position the riders are in. However, the staggeringly high figure still shows just how serious a motorcycle accident is.

The long-term medical costs mentioned in the federal report can sometimes be the worst part for victims of the motorcycle accident. The victims survive the wreck, but then are saddled with astronomical medical costs related to prescription drugs, rehabilitation programs and visits to the doctor to deal with the effects (or other medical complications) of their accident. This can place the victims in dire financial straits.

For those seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is vital to consider all of your legal options. A personal injury lawsuit against any negligent parties involved in your wreck could earn you vital compensation to help pay for these "immeasurable" medical costs.

We can't end this post without pleading for motorcyclists to wear helmets when they are out on the road. Yes, Wisconsin does not have a law requiring you to wear one (there are 19 states with such a law); but a helmet can go a long way in saving your life should you be involved in an accident.

Source: GazetteXtra, "A heavy toll for motorcyclists," Greg Peck, Dec. 6, 2012