What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Injury or Death?

If you are curious about what percentage of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, the answer may shock you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles are involved in more injuries or fatal accidents than any other vehicle accidents. Approximately 80 percent of motorcycle accidents lead to injury or death, compared to other vehicle accidents that only lead to severe or fatal injuries 20 percent of the time.

Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents have only increased in frequency despite legal efforts to mitigate such tragedies. In fact, since the enactment of the Highway Safety Act and the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, over 100,000 motorcyclists have lost their lives in traffic crashes.

Motorcyclists have less protective surroundings than the drivers of other vehicle types do, which makes riders especially vulnerable to accidents. Drivers should take extra precautions and practice a duty of care on the road to consider the more-dangerous conditions a bike rider must face. If, however, you have been unfortunately injured due to the negligence of other drivers and were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Compensation can be used to cover accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, bike damage, or lost wages due to missed time at work. When someone is careless and puts you in danger, you shouldn’t have to pay the price—contact Morgan & Morgan, the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn how you can get compensated.

Read on to learn more about motorcycle accidents and what you can do in the aftermath of an unfortunate collision.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors, some unique to motorcycles. One common cause is the failure of other drivers to see motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions. Additionally, road hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles.

Speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also major factors in motorcycle accidents. Finally, inexperienced riders and those who fail to follow safety guidelines are usually at a higher risk of accidents.

Why Are Motorcycle Injuries or Fatalities More Common?

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or death compared to other traffic accidents—for multiple reasons.

Motorcycles are inherently less crash-worthy than the typical closed vehicle. This is because they lack the protective shell of a car or truck, leaving riders and passengers more exposed in the event of an accident.

Motorcycles are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians, which can increase the risk of collisions. Additionally, they are less stable on the road than four-wheeled vehicles and require a different skill level to operate safely.

Furthermore, motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to weather and road conditions hazards than drivers in closed vehicles. This includes loose gravel, potholes, and wet pavement, which can be more dangerous for motorcycles due to their smaller size and lack of stability.

According to the Department of Transportation, even though motorcycles account for just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, they are responsible for over 5 percent of highway-related fatalities.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. This is because some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have severe consequences if left untreated.

Then, if possible, gather evidence at the accident scene, such as photos and videos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries you may have sustained. You may also obtain the contact information of any witnesses.

Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. If you have a valid case against the other party, our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses. While there may be other things to do after a motorcycle accident (because each case is unique), these steps can help protect your health and rights.

Can I Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?

You may be able to sue for damages—but under certain circumstances. One common scenario is when the negligence of another driver caused the accident. This could include cases where the driver failed to notice you on the road, was speeding, or violated other traffic laws, such as running a red light.  

Another example is if the accident occurred due to a defect in the motorcycle or its parts. If, for example, the brakes failed to work properly, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for damages.

You may also be able to sue if a hazardous road condition, such as potholes or inadequate signage, caused the accident. In such cases, you may be able to sue the party responsible for maintaining the road, such as the local government or a private contractor. However, keep in mind that suing the government, even on the smaller local level, is not that easy; you'll need to follow certain strict regulations, which vary by jurisdiction.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

The damages for a motorcycle accident vary on a case-by-case basis. That said, they generally fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are related to the financial losses you suffered due to the accident. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Medical expenses include but are not limited to ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, the cost of medical equipment, medications, and rehabilitation.

On the other hand, lost wages comprise any income you have lost due to your injuries, such as time off work or reduced earning capacity. Property damage covers repairing or replacing your motorcycle or any other property damaged in the accident.

Non-economic damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you have experienced due to the accident. These damages may include but are not limited to permanent disfigurement, physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. Since it can be difficult to put a monetary value on these types of damages, an experienced attorney can help to assess the appropriate compensation you may recover based on the unique nature of your case.

You may also recover punitive damages in some instances. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or intentional behavior.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim or Lawsuit?

After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want is to deal with an insurance company trying to lowball you or push you into settling quickly for less than what you deserve. Unfortunately, that's what can happen when you try to handle your claim alone.

Insurance companies are businesses with the main goal to make money. That can mean paying out as little as possible, even if it means taking advantage of your pain or grief. They know that you may not be able to fight back when you're injured or overcome by grief after losing a loved one in a car accident. They also know that you desperately need money, given the rising bills when you cannot work due to your injuries.

That's why hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident can be so important. Not only do you need time to focus on healing and recovering, but you also need someone who understands state-specific laws and how they apply to your particular situation. Unlike insurance companies, lawyers can have your best interests at heart and will fight for your rights to ensure you get the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

Why? At the very least, a personal injury lawyer is incentivized to win you maximum compensation because, generally, these types of lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay. At Morgan & Morgan, the stakes of every personal injury case goes beyond the money. Our firm was founded after John Morgan’s family failed to win the compensation that his brother desperately needed after a serious accident. After that, John Morgan committed his career to fighting for others in similar circumstances.

A motorcycle accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you navigate the complex legal process and advise you on the dos and don'ts after such an accident. They can also help you gather evidence, communicate with the insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement. With a lawyer on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your claim is being handled by an experienced professional who only wants the best for you.

Remember, the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a difficult and emotional time. By hiring a lawyer, you can focus on healing and moving forward while your legal team handles the rest. 

What Should I Look for in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

While many factors come into play when looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer, here are the most important.

Working with an attorney with specific experience handling motorcycle accident claims can significantly help your case. An experienced lawyer will have a higher chance of winning your case and getting you the compensation you deserve.

Secondly, look for a lawyer with powerful legal resources. They should be able to conduct in-depth investigations into your case and even afford to hold multiple parties liable if necessary. This is important because motorcycle accidents often involve complex factors that require a thorough investigation to determine liability.

Thirdly, consider the lawyer's results. A good lawyer should be able to provide examples of cases they've won in the past. This gives you confidence in their ability to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

Lastly, look for a lawyer with a positive reputation for fighting for the injured. A lawyer known for being compassionate and fighting for the rights of their clients will want to maintain that reputation. 

When Should I Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

The statute of limitations on filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies from state to state. For instance, in California, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, in Maine, you only have six years from the date of the accident to file your claim.

In Florida, the deadline is four years from the accident date. However, if the motorcycle accident resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, you only have two years from the date of the death to file a claim.

There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, though. For instance, an extension may be granted in cases where the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident or if the injured party was unaware of the injury until later.

Contacting a Morgan & Morgan motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed on time. It also gives our attorneys sufficient time to build a strong case against the other party.

Why Morgan & Morgan?

As the largest personal injury law firm in the United States, Morgan & Morgan has a proven track record of serving clients from coast to coast since 1988.

One of the most important things to note is that clients don't pay us anything unless they win the case. This is a huge relief for the injured, who are also struggling to pay medical bills and other expenses deriving from the accident.

Morgan & Morgan also files more cases than any injury firm in the country, so you can trust that our attorneys have the experience and expertise to handle your case. And that's not all; we have helped our clients recover over $20 billion (and counting) since we began fighting for the rights of the injured, including victims of motorcycle accidents.

Furthermore, we have powerful legal resources, particularly important in motorcycle accident cases. Insurance companies may try to lowball accident victims, but with our resources, we can conduct in-depth investigations into your case, hold multiple parties liable if necessary, and build a strong case against the other party.

In addition, insurance companies all over the country know that if they refuse to cooperate with our attorneys to settle, they will see us in court. That could mean paying expensive legal fees and other costs involved in pursuing the compensation you need and deserve.

Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help 

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. It can change your life, complicate your career, and leave you with untenable expenses. At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the gravity of motorcycle accidents, which is why we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

We know that no financial compensation could match your pain and suffering or, worse still, the grief emanating from losing a loved one. With that in mind, we fight for clients to not bear the burden of an accident by themselves, and we want them to have the means they need and deserve to move forward with their lives.

Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you in your time of need. Contact Morgan & Morgan today; our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help you get your deserved settlement. All you need to get started is a free case evaluation with us.