Motorcycle accidents do not happen more frequently than automobile accidents, but the consequences of motorcycle accidents are almost always more serious due to the exposed nature of motorcycle riding. Riders who have been involved in a motorcycle accident generally need representation, and the SJW motorcycle accident attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada have the experience and knowledge to help. Some of SJW’s lawyers are avid riders who personally understand the dangers of a crash. If you were hurt or injured in a motorcycle crash, please feel free to contact our office for a completely free consultation with a top-rated motorcycle accident attorney near you.
As accidents pose such serious and potentially severe risks to motorcycle riders and their passengers, we felt it was important to stay as informed as possible regarding motorcycle accidents. To help, we have put together some statistics regarding motorcycle crashes that even experienced riders may not know and that will hopefully help keep all riders better informed about the biggest risks when they are enjoying the road.
Collision Statistics
The effects of a motorcycle accident are often devastating or even deadly. The following are statistics around motorcycle collisions that all riders should be aware of:
- Approximately 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle – typically a passenger automobile.
- Intersections are the most likely spot for a vehicle to hit a motorcyclist. Often, the other vehicle breaks some traffic law just before violating the motorcycle’s right of way and causing the crash.
- Riders between the ages of 16-24 are by far more likely to get into a crash. So to the younger riders out there, please be careful.
- In nearly 96% of all motorcycle accidents, the motorcycle’s operator was male. Similarly, in bicycle accidents males accounted for 89% of all bicycle deaths, over eight times the fatalities for females in 2020.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
Researchers have identified the most common causes of motorcycle-related crashes. Here is what you need to know about the varying causes:
- In motorcycle accidents that involve another vehicle, 2/3 of the accidents can be attributed to the other vehicle ultimately violating the motorcycle’s right of way. Investigations have shown that a motorist’s inability to detect and recognize a motorcycle in traffic is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. This means that more often than not, the driver of the other vehicle did not see the motorcycle before the collision or noticed them too late to avoid hitting them.
- Less than 3% of motorcycle accidents involve some sort of mechanical failure. In other words, worry less about your bike and pay more attention to other drivers. In the small chance that your bike is to blame, the most common reason is loss of control due to a flat tire.
- Of the motorcycle accidents that don’t involve another vehicle, nearly 2/3 can be attributed to rider error. The most common type of crash, due to rider error, is a lowside.
- Finally, the most common cause of a crash is an automobile making a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.
Rare Contributors in Motorcycle Accidents
There are some common misconceptions when it comes to the causes of motorcycle accidents. The following are rarely seen in motorcycle accidents:
- Road rage by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is an extremely rare cause of a motorcycle accident.
- In 98% of motorcycle accidents, the weather was not a contributing factor.
- High speeds are also not a major contributing factor in motorcycle accidents. The average speed of a motorcycle at the time of impact is 21.5 mph. Only 1 motorcyclist in every 1,000 crashes was found to have been riding at 85 mph or higher when the collision occurred.
Contact Us at SJW Today
We hope this information helps keep all Vegas area riders better informed about the biggest risks while out on the road. If you or someone you know was recently hit while riding, please feel free to contact the injury attorneys at SJW. We truly share a passion for riding and for giving injured riders the best possible representation. Consultations are completely free.
