Motorcycle Injury Statistics

Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, common across the country. While there are far less motorcycles on the road than other vehicles, they are overly involved in vehicle accident.

Negligent drivers do not pay the attention they should to riders, leading to a staggering amount of motorcycle fatalities each year. Even riders wearing helmets are much more likely to be involved in a deadly or serious crash. Understanding motorcycle accident statistics can help you avoid the most common dangers associated with these crashes. Although the reality of the dangers of riding is stark, you do not have to live with the damages of an accident. If you are one of the countless motorcyclists injured each year, our attorney can help you get compensation in a lawsuit. You are more than a statistic and deserve sound legal support.

Call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 for a free analysis of your case with our motorcycle accident attorney.

Understanding Motorcycle Injury and Accident Statistics

While riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable hobby, statistics of accidents and the resulting injuries show the dangers even the safest riders face. It might not be a surprise to learn that motorcycle injury rates are high. In 2022, motorcycle fatalities accounted for nearly 15% of all vehicle deaths in the country despite making up just 3% of the vehicles on the road, according to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, these reports also show that a rider’s negligence rarely causes motorcycle accidents.

If you are injured while riding, you are not just another statistic to our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney, Jerry. He knows the significant losses behind these numbers and fights for victims to get them the compensation they deserve. By understanding the following motorcycle injury statistics, you will know where the most dangerous places to ride are and when to look out for and avoid negligent drivers:

Motorcycle Fatalities

In 2022 alone, 6,218 motorcycle riders died in traffic accidents. This is almost 100 more fatalities than what occurred in 2021. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists were nearly 22% more likely than car passengers to be killed in a collision, per vehicle miles traveled (VMT). That is why taking every precaution possible when hitting the road is important.

Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcyclists were also overrepresented in the number of injured riders per bikes on the road. According to National Safety Council (NSC) statistics, motorcyclists accounted for 3.5% of all traffic injuries reported in 2022. Riders were also found to be four times more likely than other vehicle occupants to be injured in an accident.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some motorcycle accidents happen because of rider error. However, many more are caused by driver negligence. Of the 6,218 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, 3,268 of them were the result of a collision involving a motorcycle and another kind of vehicle. Failing to check for motorcycles before turning left was the leading cause of these accidents, accounting for 44% of two-vehicle accidents.

Engine size has also contributed to motorcycle accidents, as today’s engines can be quite powerful. Motorcycle engine sizes typically range from 1,000 cc to 1,400 cc and beyond. The larger the engine, the more power it will produce, so you should ensure you are on a bike you can confidently handle. Of the motorcycle deaths in 2022, 34% of the bikes involved had engines larger than 1,400 cc.

Riding a motorcycle with an engine that is too powerful can easily cause you to lose control and crash into a fixed object, which is the other leading cause of death. About 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders colliding with fixed objects.

Helmet Use

It goes without saying that wearing a helmet is critical to your safety. However, even wearing a helmet might not be enough, as 63% of riders who died in 2022 wore one. That is why more and more states are making wearing a motorcycle helmet a legal requirement. For instance, New Jersey requires anyone on a motorcycle to have a helmet on under N.J.S.A. § 39:3-76.7(a). While wearing a helmet will not completely eliminate the risk of serious injuries, it gives you a much better chance at survival and will not be used against you in a later lawsuit.

Where and When Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Many motorcycle accidents occurred in urban areas, accounting for 66% of fatal accidents. Only 34% of fatal accidents happen in rural areas. The majority of these crashes, 97%, also occurred during clear or cloudy days, with 58% happening during the day. Summer months appear to be the most dangerous times to ride, with about 60% of fatal accidents occurring between May and September.

Call Jerry Today if You Were Injured While Riding

For a free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer who cares, contact Jerry Friedman today at 1-800-529-4464.