A motorcycle is, by its nature, far less crashworthy than a closed vehicle. It’s also less stable than its four-wheeled counterpart and less visible to other motorists and pedestrians. This explains the increased number of motorcycle accidents in the United States (U.S.), as evident in motorcycle accident statistics.
If you recently had a motorcycle accident in the U.S., and you believe another person’s negligence caused it, you could have a valid case. But obtaining compensation isn’t always easy. That’s why you should involve an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from Pacific West Injury Law in your case.
An Overview of U.S. Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles form about 3% of the country’s registered vehicles and comprise 0.6% of all vehicle miles U.S. motorist’s travel. But in 2020, they accounted for 4% of all occupant injuries, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 14% of all traffic fatalities. The fatalities among riders and passengers increased by 11% from the previous year.
Over the last decade, motorcycle accident fatalities have increased by 20%, and death rates have shot up by 27%. Currently, the fatality rate is 31.64 for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. These stats show how dangerous U.S. roads have become for motorcycle riders.
So, if you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle accident or someone you know was a victim of the same, you are not alone. Like many other injured victims, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and go after compensation.
How Frequent Are Motorcycle Accidents in the United States?
Accidents involving motorcycles are quite common in the U.S. These important statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shed more light on the current circumstances:
- Of all the riders who fell victim to fatal accidents in 2019, 30% were on the roadway without valid licenses.
- Riders involved in fatal motorcycle accidents displayed higher alcohol impairment levels than those driving other types of vehicles. Motorcyclists had 29% impairment levels, while passenger car drivers had 20%, light cars averaged 19%, and large truck operators had 2%.
- Of the riders who lost their lives in single-vehicle accidents in 2019, 42% were driving while impaired.
- Victims of night-time traffic crashes were about three times more frequently riding while impaired than those who experienced daytime accidents.
- In states that aren’t governed by universal helmet laws, 57% of motorcycle accident fatalities involved riders without helmets. States mandating these laws recorded only 9%.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics
Generally, motorcycle riders and their passengers are vulnerable to immense risks compared to those in closed vehicles. Most accident victims usually have to nurse severe injuries, as evident in the following motorcycle accident injury statistics:
- According to the NHTSA, about 84,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries in 2019, an increase of 2% from the previous year’s 82,000.
- Since 2016, motorcycle accident injuries have reduced slightly, with 2017 recording 89,000 injured riders, 82,000 in 2018, and 84,000 in 2019.
- Within the last decade, the year 2020 peaked the annual motorcycle accident injuries, recording over 182,000 cases.
Motorcycle injuries can be severe, leaving victims with an immense financial burden. But this shouldn’t be the case if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. A lawyer can help you file a claim against the liable party and recover compensation to address your expenses.
Motorcycle Accident Death Statistics
A motorcycle accident has a greater fatality risk, and the current motorcycle accident fatality statistics can confirm this. Here are some of the staggering reports:
- In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died in accidents, slightly lower than the 5,038 cases reported in 2018.
- About 91% of all rides involved in fatal crashes comprise two-wheeled motorcycles.
- Motorcycles account for 14% of all traffic fatalities and 17% of all occupant fatalities.
- The last decade has seen an 11% increase in motorcycle fatalities.
- In 2020, 5,500 motorcyclists lost their lives in road accidents.
- Fatal accident victims are 30% less likely to have a helmet.
Losing someone can be traumatizing, and it’s even worse if the motorcycle accident resulted from someone else’s negligence. But the law allows you to file a wrongful death claim if this is your current situation. While money cannot return your loved one, it can ease the financial implications of the accident.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A motorbike accident can result from many situations, but here are the most common causes of such incidents in the U.S.:
Drunk Driving
A massive amount of motorcycle accidents can be attributed to driving while intoxicated. Alcohol can impair your judgment and limit your driving ability. About 33% of all motorcycle accidents occur after motorcyclists have been drinking.
Head-On Collisions
Accidents also result from frontal collisions with other vehicles, which are among the greatest causes of fatalities. Head-on collisions contribute to over 75% of motorcycle accidents.
Left Turns
Motorists sometimes make unexpected left-hand turns, turning the road into danger zones for motorcycle riders. In up to 42% of all fatal accidents, the involved vehicle made a left turn while the motorcyclist was heading straight, overtaking, or passing.
Running Into Objects
Two-wheel vehicles have relatively lower stability than their four-wheeled counterparts. Objects on the road and potholes can easily alter the bike’s stability and cause accidents. About 25% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred when riders crashed because they were trying to avoid running into cars, animals, or other objects.
Speeding
It’s common for superbike and racing bike riders to push the speed of their bikes to the limit. But speeding kills, and this rule also applies to motorcycles. Up to 32% of all motorcycle accidents in the U.S. involve speeding.
Involve a Reputable Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident can bring significant pain and suffering, medical bills, and repair costs. But if someone caused the crash through a deliberate act or negligence, you could hold them accountable and seek legal remedies. However, it can be difficult to achieve a successful claim or deal with insurers.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Pacific West Injury Law knows what motorcycle accident cases entail. We can review your case for free and guide you appropriately without charging you legal fees upfront. So reach out to get the help you need.
