Wednesday, July 31, 2024
What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get In Accidents?
Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get In Accidents? Motorcycle riders make up only 3% of all registered vehicles, yet they account for 14% of all traffic deaths and 17% of all occupant fatalities.
This shows that motorcycles are involved in a disproportionate number of serious accidents.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, an Illinois motorcycle accident attorney will help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation.
What is the Rate of Motorcycle Accidents?
The rate of motorcycle accidents is high compared to other vehicles.
For example in 2021, NHTSA says that there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents, the highest number since 1975. Motorcycle riders make up only 3% of all registered vehicles but account for 14% of all traffic deaths and 17% of all occupant fatalities.
Not wearing a helmet contributed to 2,251 of these deaths, showing the importance of safety gear. Additionally, 34% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved speeding, which increases the risk and severity of crashes.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Understanding why accidents happen can help riders stay safer.
Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois:
- Cars turning left: Often, car drivers don’t see motorcycles when turning left at intersections.
- Speeding: Going too fast makes it harder to control a motorcycle and stop in time.
- Drunk driving: Riding a motorcycle while drunk is very dangerous.
- Road hazards: Things like potholes or gravel can cause motorcycles to lose control.
- Lane splitting: This is when motorcycles drive between lanes of cars. It’s illegal in Illinois.
- Inexperienced riders: New riders are more likely to make mistakes.
- Bad weather: Rain, snow, or strong winds can make riding dangerous.
Motorcycle Injury Statistics
When motorcycle accidents happen, they often cause serious injuries.
Here are some important statistics:
- Motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash. This means riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car. The lack of protection on a motorcycle makes riders more vulnerable in accidents.
- According to JD Power, about 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. This high percentage shows how severe motorcycle accidents can be. Most crashes lead to serious harm or even death for the rider.
- Head injuries are very common in motorcycle accidents. They cause about 22% of motorcycle accident injuries. Head injuries can be very serious and even life-threatening. Wearing a helmet can help protect against these injuries, but many riders still get hurt.
- Leg and foot injuries are also common, making up about 30% of motorcycle injuries. When a motorcycle crashes, the rider’s legs and feet often hit the ground or other objects, causing injuries. These injuries can be painful and take a long time to heal.
While Illinois doesn’t require all riders to wear helmets, they can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
How Does a Motorcycle Accident Compared to Car Accident?
Motorcycle accidents are often very different from car accidents.
Here are some key differences:
- More serious injuries. Motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a car around them. This means they’re more likely to get badly hurt in a motorcycle crash. Without the metal frame of a car, riders are more exposed to the impact of collisions.
- Often higher settlements: Because the injuries are often worse, motorcycle accident victims might get more money in settlements or lawsuits. The cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be very high, leading to larger compensation amounts.
- More complicated claim process: Insurance companies sometimes try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, even when it’s not their fault. This can make it harder to get fair compensation. Motorcyclists often face unfair bias, which can complicate their claims.
How Can Motorcycle Riders Get Help After an Accident?
If you’re in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, here are some steps to get help:
- Call 911: Get medical help right away, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. It’s important to have a medical professional check you out to make sure you don’t have hidden injuries.
- Report the accident: Make sure the police come and make a report. This official record will be important for your insurance claim and any legal action you might take.
- Gather information: If you can, get names and contact information from anyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. This includes the other drivers and people who saw what happened.
- Take pictures: If it’s safe, take pictures of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and your injuries. These photos can be valuable evidence to show what happened and how serious the damage and injuries are.
- Don’t admit fault: Be careful what you say. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you later. It’s best to stick to the facts and avoid admitting any blame.
- Call your insurance company: Let them know about the accident, but don’t give a detailed statement until you’ve talked to a lawyer. Your lawyer can help you handle the insurance company and make sure you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
- Keep records: Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and any other documents related to the accident. Keeping detailed records will help you when it comes time to file a claim or take legal action.
- Consider talking to a lawyer: A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for fair compensation. They have the experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of your case and get you the best possible outcome.
Consult an Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who knows about these kinds of cases.
An Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney from Malman Law can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies for you, make sure you get proper medical care, and fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Motorcycle accidents can be serious and complicated. With the right help, you can focus on getting better while your lawyer handles the legal issues. Contact us at (312) 629-0099 or online.