Motorcycle accident statistics show just how vulnerable riders are. Their helmets provide inadequate protection against bigger vehicles. Add the social stigma, and motorcycle riders would almost always, receive the blame when an accident happens. You need to defend yourself so you can hold the ones responsible for the incident. Thus, if you were injured in a recent crash, you should call a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately.
US Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are preventable. If only road regulations were strictly observed, a lot of people would be safe from injuries. According to the CDC, the United States could save $1.5 billion each year if all motorcycle riders wore helmets. That is the staggering economic cost of motorcycle accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 5,500 motorcycle fatalities in 2020. Hospital emergency departments treated more than 180,000 motorcycle injuries in the same year. Motorcycle injuries range from slight to severe:
- Road rash/wounds/abrasion
- Bone fractures
- Injuries to the internal organs
- Paralysis
- Lower extremity injuries
- Amputation
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Of all the road accidents in the US, only 11% involved motorcycles. However, 80% of these reported accidents often result in injuries or death.
On Using Helmets
As mentioned earlier, helmets are not enough to protect riders from danger. It does, however, prevent serious head injuries. Lack thereof would mean fatality when a strong collision occurs. Sadly, there are riders who forgo wearing one due to various reasons:
- Helmets are too heavy
- Heat accumulates while wearing one
- Usage results in neck pain
- Head and neck movements are limited
- Breathing difficulties when using a helmet
Such excuses of physical discomfort aggravate road traffic injuries. Without a helmet, the rider would suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Helmets, when worn, significantly reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
Helmet use, while widely enforced, is still a recurring problem. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports motorcycle accident statistics every year. According to its archives, the average usage of helmets is just around 50 to 65%. Based on its data, only half of the motorcycle riders on the road are protected. The numbers barely increased in the span of twenty years.
Were you wearing a helmet during the crash? If yes, then you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you.
Motorcycles Vs Other Vehicles
Did you know that motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles in the US? Motorcycle riders may be fewer, but they face the greatest risk. Based on NHTSA reports, here is what may happen in a car vs motorcycle collision:
- Motorcycle riders are 8 times more likely to suffer injuries than car drivers and passengers.
- Regarding fatalities, the motorcycle rider is 37 times more likely to die in a car crash than the ones inside the vehicle.
Frontal collisions cause 74% of motorcycle accidents in the US. Additional motorcycle accident statistics point to vehicle collisions as the main cause. In fact, three out of four incidents involve cars and other passenger vehicles.
But here’s the shocking part: two-thirds of multiple collisions usually happen when other vehicles violate the motorcycle’s right-of-way. Simply put, most drivers fail to detect the presence of motorcycles on the road. Either the liable parties did not notice the incoming motorcycle, or it was already too late to avoid it. Do you know where most of these accidents occur? Intersections – this is the point where driver neglect becomes deadly for motorcycle riders.
Additional Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Here are more reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer if you have been injured recently. Motorcycle accident statistics show that except for speeding and alcohol use, it is usually not the rider’s fault.
Crashing into roadways? Only 1 in every 4 motorcycle riders bump into objects along the road. This means that most riders are fully aware of their surroundings. Even road defects like potholes only affect 2% of all motorcycle accidents.
Poorly maintained vehicles? Motorcycle accidents from vehicle failure only account for less than 3%. And when it happens, the reason is almost always due to a punctured tire. This means that riders tend to maintain their motorcycles in good condition.
Bad weather? Rain or shine, motorcycle riders follow traffic rules, especially speed limits. In fact, weather conditions did not affect 98% of all reported accidents.
Visibility issues? This is one of the most common problems for car and truck drivers. Blind spots, glare, and obstructed view are some of the reasons a driver fails to see the motorcycle on the road. This is why motorcycle riders should make themselves conspicuous. Wearing bright jackets or donning reflectors can help reduce the risk of accidents.
To conclude, legal representation is beneficial to an injured motorcycle rider. With all the complex issues surrounding motorcycle accidents, it is crucial to prove liability. If you sustained injuries while riding a motorcycle and it is not your fault, you should seek compensation. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
