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.

Crashes with Trucks

If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, the sheer size and weight difference between your bike and other vehicles can make injuries devastating. In particular, large trucks have large blind spots, which greatly increase the chances that the driver might not see a motorcycle. Additionally, trucks need more time to stop; slight decelerations can lead to big accidents.

Another very serious crash is called an underride, in which a motorcycle skids beneath a truck—often fatally. Poor road conditions, like potholes or sudden lane changes, leave motorcyclists with little room to react, increasing the risk of a dangerous crash. Rain, fog, and other weather conditions further reduce the little visibility left, causing accidents to occur more frequently.

To stay safe, motorcyclists should avoid truck blind spots, keep a safe distance, and wear reflective gear to enhance visibility. Truck drivers should also remain alert and check their mirrors frequently to reduce the chances of a crash.

Related to Pedestrians

Motorcycle accidents involving pedestrians are most common in urban locations, especially at intersections. Common reasons are jaywalking, distracted walking and ignoring the signals of crosswalks. Pedestrians with their heads down and those stepping into the street without looking for vehicles pose dangers for riders.

High foot traffic in cities like New York and Los Angeles increases risks. Since people visiting the area are not used to the way the traffic works there, these people will likely act differently, increasing the chance of an accident happening
To keep things safe, riders should slow down in areas with a lot of traffic, sound their horn and/or turn on their lights to alert pedestrians when needed, and be extra aware in crosswalks and fast streets.

Reckless Driving

Speeding, aggressive driving maneuvers, and traffic law violations are common contributors to motorcycle accidents. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it harder to avoid obstacles and crashes. Risky driving behaviors such as weaving through traffic, following too close, and sudden lane changes jeopardize the safety of motorcyclists and other individuals.

Reckless riding tends to result in single-vehicle crashes, in which motorcyclists lose control of curves, uneven roads, or bad weather. Failure to stop at or yield to signals will lead to barriers on buses or pedestrians.

To stay safe, motorcyclists should adhere to speed limits, drive cautiously in high-traffic areas, and always be aware of surrounding vehicles.

What percentage of motorcycle accidents are the riders’ fault?

Many motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error, but a significant portion also results from negligent drivers. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 50% of motorcycle crashes involve only the rider. Common causes include excessive speed, loss of control on curves, and overcorrecting during turns.

Other drivers are at fault nearly 60% of the time in multi-vehicle crashes. These incidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed.

Common Factors in Single-Rider Accidents:

• Excessive speed: Losing control, especially on curves.
• Improper braking or overcorrection: Sudden braking can cause skidding.
• Inexperience: Novice motorcyclists may have difficulty with defensive driving practices.
• Road dangers: Increases in potholes and debris as well as wet surfaces.

Possible Reasons Behind a Multi-Vehicle Crash:

• Failure to yield: Cars frequently don’t see motorcycles at intersections.
• Left-turn collisions: Cars turn left across the lane of an oncoming bike.
• Distracted driving, such as phone use and other distractions, causes drivers to fail to notice motorcyclists.

Knowing these risk factors can help riders and drivers avoid crashes and make the roads safer.

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.

Motorcycle Injury Statistics

Head Injuries

Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 69%, yet traumatic brain injuries remain one of the most common consequences of motorcycle crashes. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and long-term cognitive impairment. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or death. Recovery from head trauma often involves extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur in about 10% of motorcycle accidents and can leave a person partially or permanently paralyzed. The force of a motorcycle crash can shatter vertebrae, damage nerve pathways, and leave victims with lifelong pain, affecting their ability to work and enjoy daily activities. Many victims need significant rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and lifestyle changes to become independent again.

Leg and Foot Injuries

Lower limb injuries are the most common among non-fatal motorcycle accidents, making up 55% of reported cases. These include fractures, ligament tears, and severe abrasions. Because legs and feet often absorb much of the impact in a crash, riders frequently face long recovery times and the possibility of permanent mobility issues. Protective gear like riding boots and knee guards can help reduce injury severity.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries from a motorcycle crash, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, might not show symptoms immediately—making immediate medical attention critical. Damage to the liver, kidneys, and spleen can be fatal if not quickly addressed. This is why emergency medical treatment is so critical because internal bleeding can quickly worsen without proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Riding defensively, following traffic laws, and using proper safety gear can greatly reduce accident risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following precautions:

• Wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear.
• Stay visible: Avoid blind spots and use reflective clothing.
• Follow speed limits: Excessive speed is a major risk factor.
• Avoid riding under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment.
• Take a motorcycle safety course: Defensive riding skills save lives.
• Maintain your motorcycle: Regular inspections help prevent mechanical failures.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Collision

Immediate steps can protect your rights and help ensure fair compensation if you are in a motorcycle accident. Follow these key steps:

1. Get medical attention: Even the smallest of injuries may cause more damage as time passes.
2. Call law enforcement: A police report can be helpful evidence.
3. Capture the moment: Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
4. Obtain eyewitness statements: Eyewitness accounts can help your case.
5. Seek the help of knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers: With the right legal team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle to secure the maximum compensation for you.

Get Legal Help From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A motorcycle accident in Long Beach and other cities 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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