Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

The statistics on motorcycle accidents in the United States are alarming, to say the least. Here are some key takeaways from reputable studies on motorcycle accidents in the country.

Motorcycles are much more dangerous than other vehicles: According to statistics, motorcycle accidents are 28 times more likely to result in fatalities based on vehicle miles traveled. Similarly, riders are four times more likely to get injured.  

Motorcycle fatalities are rising nationwide: Motorcycle fatalities increased by 11% in 2020, from 5,044 to 5,579.  

Seasonal factors play a role: In 2020, most motorcycle deaths occurred between the months of June to September, with each month contributing 12% or more to the total count. This suggests that seasonal factors, such as more riders on the roads during the summer months, also contribute to the problem.

Older riders are at risk: The number of older rider deaths (55 and above) increased from 3% in 1975 to 27% in 2020.

Motorcycles are overrepresented in traffic fatalities: Although motorcycles only make up 3% of the registered vehicles in the country, they contribute to 14% of all traffic fatalities.

Motorcycle accidents come with a high cost: According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the costs of motorcycle accidents totaled around $16 billion in 2010. This figure represents medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other related expenses.

Hospital costs have skyrocketed: Another study in California found that the hospital costs for a rider without a helmet averaged $17,704.

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injury or even death, so riders must take every precaution to stay safe. Here are some tips to help motorcyclists stay safe on the road:

Wear appropriate safety gear: A helmet is essential for protecting the head in the event of a crash, but riders should also wear other protective gear, such as gloves and boots.

Stay visible: Ensure other drivers can see you by wearing brightly colored clothing and using your headlights, especially during low-light conditions.

Follow traffic rules: Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals.

Avoid distractions: Don't use your phone or other electronic devices while riding, as this can distract you from the road and increase the risk of an accident.

Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles, especially at high speeds.

Prepare for inclement weather: Check the weather forecast before riding. This could be the difference between safety, injury, or even death on the road.

Keep your motorcycle in good condition: Regularly maintain and inspect it to ensure it is in good working condition and that all systems function properly.

Take a motorcycle safety course: Consider taking a motorcycle safety course to improve your skills and knowledge of safe riding practices.

Remember that motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Playing your party keeps you and other motorists safe on the road.

The issue of liability varies from case to case. That said, in most cases, the other party involved in the motorcycle accident is usually at fault for any of the following reasons:

• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Not obeying traffic laws

In addition to other drivers, manufacturers, retailers, or designers of motorcycles can also be held liable for an accident.

Take, for example, a motorcycle designed in a way that makes it inherently dangerous. The designer or manufacturer may be liable for any accidents that occur as a result.

Similarly, if a motorcycle manufacturer or retailer fails to provide adequate warnings about potential risks associated with the product, they may be held liable if an accident occurs.

Settling a motorcycle accident claim is usually more complex than other accidents for several reasons.  

Bias against motorcyclists: Motorcycle riders are often unfairly assumed to be at fault in such accidents. As a result, establishing liability and proving the other party's negligence is challenging, particularly if there are no independent witnesses or objective evidence.

Serious injuries: These accidents often result in severe injuries, which can be costly to treat and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. For this reason, insurance companies may be reluctant to accept the financial responsibility for such high-cost claims, leading to prolonged negotiations and legal battles.

Complex nature of motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle accidents are often more complex than car accidents due to several factors, including the lack of protection for riders, the small size of motorcycles, and the greater maneuverability of bikes. This can make it challenging to accurately reconstruct the accident and determine the cause. And even after determining the cause, the question of liability is another problem that could arise in such a scenario.

Lack of understanding of motorcycles: Many insurance adjusters and jurors have limited knowledge of motorcycles and may not understand how they operate or how a particular accident occurred. This can make it challenging to persuade them of the motorcyclist's rights and establish the other party's liability.

Insurance policy limits:  Given the (mostly) gruesome nature of these accidents, they can result in substantial damages and injuries that exceed the at-fault driver's insurance policy limits. This could make it difficult for motorcyclists to obtain fair compensation for their losses, particularly if they do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Several factors can influence the value of a motorcycle accident claim. One of the most significant factors is the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. If the injuries are severe and long-lasting, the claim's value will likely be higher. This is because injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones can have long-term effects on the victim's life, resulting in a higher settlement amount.

For context, one study found that acute care alone for a spinal cord injury could cost anywhere between $290 and $612,590.

Another important factor is the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident. If the motorcycle rider is found to be partially or completely at fault, this can reduce the claim's value. On the other hand, if the other driver is at fault, the claim's value is likely to be higher.

The steps taken after getting injured can also affect the value of a motorcycle accident claim. For example, seeking prompt medical attention and following the doctor's instructions can demonstrate that the injuries were serious and that the victim took reasonable steps to mitigate the damages. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can also be crucial in obtaining a higher settlement amount, as they can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim.

As mentioned earlier, insurance coverage limits of the at-fault party will determine the value of a motorcycle accident claim. Obtaining a higher settlement amount may be more difficult if the at-fault party has limited insurance coverage. However, if the at-fault party has substantial insurance coverage, this can increase the likelihood of a higher settlement.

Other factors that may influence the value of a motorcycle accident claim include the cost of property damage, lost wages, and the emotional trauma and suffering experienced by the victim. Additionally, the jurisdiction where the accident occurred and the specific laws governing motorcycle accidents in that area will come into play when determining the settlement the victim may be entitled to.

Hiring an attorney is undoubtedly a smart way to obtain compensation for your injuries. A skilled lawyer will evaluate your case to determine whether it is valid and has a chance of success. For instance, if the accident was caused solely by your negligence, your claim may not be valid unless you live in a no-fault state.

Attorneys can also investigate the accident to determine liability, that is, if you have a valid claim. They will gather relevant evidence, such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and medical records, to prove liability. This evidence can help convince the insurance company or court of the other party's fault.

After establishing liability, attorneys can create a legal strategy to pursue compensation. Throughout the process, they will offer crucial legal advice to their clients, helping them maximize their claims. For instance, they can advise their clients to avoid discussing the case with anyone other than their attorney and not to post anything about the accident on social media.

Attorneys can file a claim with the liable parties, such as the other driver's insurance company. Then, if the other party is willing to cooperate, the lawyer will negotiate a settlement on behalf of their clients. If the settlement negotiations fail, the lawyer may file a lawsuit and represent their clients in court.

By now, you probably know that motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries to the victims. In fact, riders are six times more likely to suffer serious injuries or even die from motorcycle accidents than car passengers.

The worst part is that society treats motorcycle riders as careless and reckless on our roads. But that's not always the case. It's not the vessel that defines a driver's or rider's carelessness; it's their specific conduct.

As a motorcycle driver who's just been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one, Morgan & Morgan can fight for your right to compensation. But, importantly, we can fight for your voice to be heard because we know how terrible it feels to carry a financial burden that does not belong to you in the first place.

In these tough economic times, you don't want to pay for medical expenses out of pocket while someone somewhere keeps counting profits made from denied claims. To put things into perspective, the insurance industry alone is worth over $1.4 trillion. Part of that amount derives from claims that have been unfairly dismissed by unreasonable insurance companies and claim adjusters.

Because we are America's largest injury firm, we are never afraid of taking on the biggest bullies in the industry if that needs to be done to secure reasonable compensation for your injuries and losses. That's how we've managed to recover over $20 billion for the injured since 1988.

That said, we can only help you if you contact us immediately for a free case evaluation. After reviewing your case, we will respond within 24 hours to discuss the next steps.