What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get In Accidents?

To answer the question”What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents” we need to take a look into statistics. Although motorcycles account for 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of vehicle miles in the United States, they contribute to 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5 % of injured victims. The high risk of accidents among riders is attributed to other negligent drivers, in addition to a motorcycle’s physical features.

Although motorcycles have high-performance features, they are less stable and less visible. In case of a crash, a rider lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities.

According to NHTSA estimates, the number of motorcycle deaths was nearly 24 times the number in cars. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve sustained an injury in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s fault.

Consult a trusted motorcycle accident attorney for legal support in your pursuit of compensation.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Drunk Driving

Alcohol reduces the function of the brain, leading to impaired thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. At a BAC of 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, the risk of accident increases.

According to estimates by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS), twenty-five percent of fatally injured riders had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or above. Even so, a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. In 2022, there were 2,337 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL.

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When a driver is speeding, they are exposed to the following dangers:

• An increased likelihood of single-crash accidents
• A reduced reaction time
• Higher severity of injuries in case of a crash
• An increased stopping distance

Left Turning Cars

Left-turning cars account for almost half of all crashes involving cars and motorcycles. When a vehicle is about to join an intersection, it may misjudge the speed of a bike or fail to yield, leading to a crash.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is a traffic offense in most states. Many accident scenarios occur when a motorist tries to squeeze between lanes. When drivers attempt to make a lane change, they may only spot a motorist at the last second.

Consequently, the driver may attempt to swerve into other cars, potentially causing a multi-car accident.

New York Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), fatal motorcycle accidents in NY increased to 201, a 52 percent increase from 132 in 2019.

California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

In 2022, the following states experienced the highest numbers of motorcycle accident fatalities:

• California (634)
• Florida (668)
• Texas (564)
• Arizona (232)
• Georgia (221)
• North Carolina (220)

How Does a Motorcycle Accident Compare to a Car Accident?

While motorcycles account for a small fraction of vehicles, they are involved in a high proportion of severe injuries and traffic fatalities. When a motorcycle crash occurs, the rider’s body faces a forceful impact because bikes lack the protection found in passenger vehicles.

Without the protection of airbags, seatbelts, and glass cockpit, the rider’s body faces the full impact of the crash. 

Injuries Often Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents cause devastating injuries, with any part of the body vulnerable during a crash. Common injuries during a motorcycle accident include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden and violent jolt occurs to the head or body. Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include headache, nausea, problems with speech, and loss of balance.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury may occur after damage to any part of the spinal cord or to nerves ending in the spinal cord. In a motorcycle crash, a sudden blow to the spine can fracture, dislocate, crush, or compress one or more vertebrae.

• Internal Injuries: The forceful impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs or trigger internal bleeding. If untreated, internal bleeding may cause organ failure, shock, or death.

• Fractures: In a motorcycle crash, a rider may be ejected at full speed onto a pavement or a road surface, hit a vehicle, or collide with other objects like a lighting pole. Face, leg, and arms are susceptible to fractures in motorcycle crashes.

Get Legal Help From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A motorcycle accident can have significant effects on your life, physically, financially, and mentally. You need legal support to make the process easier on you and give you the best chance at receiving full compensation for your losses. 

The Barnes Firm has over 500 years of combined experience, and we can protect your rights. Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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