Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Auto accidents injure millions of people each year, and cost the United States billions of dollars in financial losses. Although anyone can be injured or killed in an automobile accident, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable.
Motorcycles are far less visible than closed vehicles, and it takes a unique set of skills to safely maneuver a two-wheeled motorcycle. Both of these factors can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident. When a motorcycle accident does occur, the risk of injuries or death is especially high, because a motorcycle doesn’t offer any sort of cushion or protection.
In the event of a motorcycle accident, attorney Sean M. Burke and his experienced legal team can help victims collect the compensation they are due for damages. Here, we highlight some motorcycle accident statistics that show our Orange County, CA clients just how dangerous these types of accidents can be.
Motorcycle Fatalities
Unfortunately, fatalities are a very real risk of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle drivers and passengers have nothing to protect them from injuries other than a helmet and leather gear.
According to data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 4,976 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2016. In all, motorcyclists made up 13 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year. Based on miles driven, a motorcyclist is roughly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than a driver of an enclosed vehicle.
Accident Causes
Many different factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Based on data from 2016, two of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents were inexperience and reckless driving (specifically, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol).
About 30 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities for the year involved an impaired driver.
27 percent of fatally wounded motorcycle drivers were operating their bike without a valid driver’s license. Since motorcycles operate so differently than cars and other enclosed vehicles, a lack of training or experience can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Prime Time for Accidents
Just as with any type of accident, a motorcycle accident can occur at any time. However, data shows that there are months, days, and times when it is more dangerous to ride a motorcycle.
Here are some statistics on when motorcycle accidents are most likely to take place:
- 58 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred between the months of May and September
- July was the month with the highest number of motorcycle fatalities, while January had the lowest
- Just under 50 percent of motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities took place on a weekend
- Motorcycle fatalities occurred most often after the hours of 6pm
Contact Our Legal Firm
No matter why, how, or when a motorcycle accident occurs, the damages are likely to be devastating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, experienced attorney Sean M. Burke and his legal team can fight to help you get the compensation you may be due for damages.
Contact our legal firm at your earliest convenience by calling (949) 644-3434.
