Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom but carry a higher risk. Many people wonder about the specifics of “Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents.” This is a valid concern for all riders.

Understanding these risks is the first step in staying safe. Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents aren’t just numbers. They involve real people and, often, serious consequences.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Driver error is a significant factor in many motorcycle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when other drivers don’t see the motorcycle.

It’s surprisingly easy to miss a smaller motorcycle in your blind spot. This simple mistake can lead to a devastating car accident, often because of the larger size of passenger vehicles.

Distracted driving also plays a significant role, with cell phone use by drivers skyrocketing since 2003.

Failing to See Motorcyclists

Many drivers don’t expect to see motorcycles. Their eyes and minds are used to looking for larger vehicles like cars and trucks.

This can lead to terrible motorcycle accidents. Because other drivers may not see riders, there is often less time to react or avoid a collision than for drivers of larger vehicles.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding reduces the time everyone has to react. This is true for both motorcyclists and other drivers on the road.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic deaths in a recent year. Reckless driving increases the risk of motorcycle crashes, including those with other vehicles and truck accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs slow down reaction times significantly. A tragic motor vehicle accident can be a devastating result.

The risks are incredibly high for motorcycle riders. An NHTSA study showed nearly 30% of riders in fatal motorcycle accidents had blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit, with an even higher number (45%) impaired in some way by alcohol.

Road Hazards

Potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement are much more dangerous for motorcycles. These road hazards can force a rider to suddenly change lanes to keep control of their bike.

Unlike cars, motorcycles only have two wheels on the road. Losing balance can easily lead to crashes and serious accident injuries.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, or ice create slippery road surfaces. These conditions demand extra caution from all drivers, especially those operating a motor vehicle.

Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable in bad weather. Motorcycles require a dry and stable surface for good grip and any needed corrections, making visibility and traction essential for safe riding.

Mechanical Issues

Tire blowouts or brake failure can happen on any vehicle. However, motorcycles don’t have duplicate backups like cars.

A sudden mechanical problem can throw a rider off balance. This can cause a total loss of control and lead to a serious motorcycle accident case.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries. This is because motorcycles offer much less protection than cars.

The NHTSA reports a sobering statistic: around 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. This is a drastic difference, four times higher than the injury and death rate for passenger cars. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you receive compensation.

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death in motorcycle accidents. While helmets reduce the risk, they don’t eliminate it.

Always wear a helmet, meeting the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. This gives you peace of mind, knowing your safety is better protected.

Road Rash

Road rash is a painful injury caused by skin scraping against the pavement. Severe road rash can cause infection and even nerve damage.

Wearing protective gear, such as leather, can significantly reduce this risk. Long pants and boots should also be worn.

Broken Bones

The force of a motorcycle accident can easily break bones. Legs, arms, and ribs are commonly fractured in these types of vehicle accidents.

Lower body injuries make up 30% of non-fatal motorcycle injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of a rider’s legs and feet. Many of these injuries can lead to long-term problems or even paralysis, so working with a personal injury lawyer may be in your best interest to get the proper compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord damage can cause paralysis. These are among the most severe injuries, with long-term medical costs and ongoing medical problems, possibly including wrongful death.

Because many motorcycle accident injuries result in death or require significant medical care, paralysis occurs too often. Working with a law group that includes a spinal cord injury lawyer is critical to protecting your future in these cases.

Internal Injuries

The impact of a crash can harm internal organs. This is something many people don’t think about when considering motorcycle accidents.

Internal bleeding might not be apparent right away. It’s always best to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel okay at first, to rule out any potential brain injuries.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Knowing how these accidents typically occur can help prevent them. Many motorcycle vs. car crashes happen in a few common ways.

Most crashes happen during the day, which many people do not expect. However, the majority occur on roads with good visibility.

The National Safety Council (NSC) states that most motorcycle fatalities in recent years were on urban roads, in fair weather, and often around dusk. Injury lawyers frequently handle cases involving common injuries sustained from these crashes.

Head-On Collisions

These are often the most severe types of motorcycle accidents. In many head-on collisions, there is very little time to react.

The NHTSA reports that 76 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents with another vehicle are head-on collisions. These crashes are so dangerous because motorcycles may not be considered when other cars plan to use the right of way.

Left-Turn Accidents

Cars turning left often don’t see oncoming motorcycles. This is a prevalent type of accident.

The NHTSA estimates that 42% of crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle happen when the other vehicle turns left. As a motorcycle rider, you must be extra cautious and drive defensively.

Lane Splitting

Riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic is dangerous. This doesn’t provide the best visibility for anyone involved.

While it’s legal in some states, lane splitting requires extreme caution. Because other vehicles may not look when changing lanes, an accident can happen with almost no warning and may fall under premises liability if it involves improperly maintained lanes.

Rear-End Collisions

Motorcycles are more challenging to see in mirrors, especially when drivers are distracted. While rear-end accidents often happen to cars, motorcyclists suffer far more significant injuries.

Being smaller than a car makes a motorcycle much more vulnerable to rear-end collisions. The injuries from these accidents can be permanent, even if they don’t seem serious at first, and might lead to costly medical bills.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

These accidents can involve hitting something or simply losing control of the bike. Driver error is a frequent cause of this accident.

Many people might not consider parked cars a risk in these types of accidents. However, a parked car could unexpectedly pull out, leading to a collision. If a crash occurs due to poorly maintained roads, you may want a personal injury accident attorney or a premises liability attorney.

How to Potentially Reduce Risks

Safe riding, proper gear, and awareness can significantly lower your risk. No one is ever totally safe, but taking precautions helps everyone on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) provide the following safety advice:

Advice Category	Specific Recommendations
Ride Responsibly	Obey all traffic laws, signals, and the posted speed limit. Ride defensively and signal your intentions. Check carefully before changing lanes, stopping, and turning. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be Visible	Always use your motorcycle’s headlights. Use reflective materials to make yourself more visible. Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots.
Wear Proper Attire	Wear a helmet that fits correctly and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Wear protective clothing: sturdy pants, jacket, boots, gloves, and eye protection.
Know Your Motorcycle	Understand how your motorcycle works. Practice handling and maneuvering before riding in traffic.

Take a Safety Course

Formal training provides valuable skills and builds confidence. Many places require a safety course before you can get a motorcycle license or registration.

Even experienced riders can benefit from taking refresher courses. New safety strategies are constantly developed due to changes in technology and laws.

Wear Protective Gear

A DOT-compliant helmet is crucial and might help reduce the risk of serious injury. Gloves, jackets, and boots also offer significant protection.

Brightly colored clothing makes you more visible to other drivers. Many protective gear items include armor to help absorb impact if a rider makes contact with an object, person, or the road.

Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Focus is essential while riding a motorcycle. You might only have a split second to react to avoid a collision with oncoming traffic.

Never ride when drowsy. Research shows that going without sleep for 20 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.05.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Give yourself plenty of space to react to other vehicles. This will help you to be prepared to handle any sudden stops ahead.

The more space you have, the more time you have to respond. Leave room on the side of the road to allow yourself an escape route; this is very helpful in preventing accidents or injuries if something goes wrong.

Be Aware of Other Vehicles

Try to predict what other drivers might do. Many drivers may have trouble seeing motorcycles or might not be paying close attention.

Always assume other drivers might not see you. Use extra caution at intersections where a vehicle making a left turn could cause an accident injury.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The moments after an accident are overwhelming. The stress can make people forget simple but essential things to address, like speaking with a knowledgeable attorney to learn about workers’ compensation or auto accident details.

Knowing what steps to take can give you some control over the situation. Despite feeling simple, it’s essential to understand that most motorcycle accidents only involve a speed of 30mph after a rider attempts to swerve, and “simple” does not accurately apply.

If you are in an accident, a motorcycle or car accident attorney may be needed. It is essential to consider the next steps, and possibly working with an accident attorney to review the accident injury details is vital.

Prioritize Safety

First, check yourself and others for injuries. Then, deal with any immediate safety concerns.

Move to a safe location if you can. Secure the accident scene and get away from any hazards.

Call 911

Report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, a checkup by an emergency worker protects your health and legal rights potentially related to a personal injury accident.

Delaying these reports or medical visits could impact any future claims. If new injuries or complications appear later, it might be too late to address them legally.

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the vehicles, the road, and any injuries. The scene itself can also provide valuable evidence.

Get contact and insurance details from any other drivers. If anything at the scene changes or anyone denies their claims, documentation and witness contacts can help your case. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report can also provide documentation.

Seek Medical Attention

Even minor pain could indicate a serious injury. You don’t want a later claim minimized if other medical issues develop from a motorcycle crash.

Always follow a doctor’s advice. Medical records, documents, and images can be crucial for proving your injuries. You will need these to be adequately compensated for any medical bills.

Don’t Discuss Fault

Do not admit blame at the accident scene. It is often best to say as little as possible and focus on seeking safety and contacting your attorney.

Statements made while in shock can be used against you later. This can hurt a lawsuit.

Contact an Attorney

A motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the often complex legal process, including the statute of limitations and determining a driver’s ability to be liable. They may even specialize in specific practice areas.

A lawyer can deal with insurance claims and protect your rights. Don’t automatically trust any attorney who contacts you; do your research and find a qualified attorney you are comfortable with.

Legal professionals with motorcycle experience have seen many situations. A qualified attorney providing legal services may have handled accidents similar to yours, even fatal motorcycle accidents. You should look for a free consultation to review details and receive compensation.

FAQs

What are the most common motorcycle accidents?

Head-on collisions, left-turn accidents, and rear-end collisions are some of the most common. These often happen because drivers don’t see the motorcycle, so use caution at intersections, be mindful of cars, and operate cautiously at or below the speed limit.

What is the most frequent type of motorcycle collision?

Head-on collisions are a significant cause of fatal motorcycle accidents, as crashes involving motorcycles and cars making a left-hand turn. The NHTSA finds that 76% of two-car accidents can be deadly when they are head-on collisions.

Where is the most common place for motorcycle accidents?

Many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. This is where vehicles make turns, creating opportunities for collisions involving other vehicles and increasing risks for motorcyclists involved.

What age group is #1 in injuries from riding motorcycles?

Multiple studies in America suggest that for every 100,000 miles, older riders are safer and more skilled than those in the 25 and under age group. However, one report disagrees.

A National Library of Medicine study of fatally injured motorcyclists found that riders over 49 showed the fastest increase in accidents. They also had many injuries requiring long-term or permanent medical care, and, sadly, higher death rates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides resources to help understand these metrics.