Overall, there are more car accidents than motorcycle accidents on U.S. roads. However, motorcyclists are statistically more likely to sustain injuries or die in a motorcycle accident than car drivers or passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists make up just 3% of all motor vehicles on the road, yet account for 14% of all traffic-related deaths. In fact, motorcyclists and their passengers are 28 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury than a driver or passenger in a car. Let’s do a deeper dive into the issues surrounding the question, are there more car accidents or motorcycle accidents?
Why Are Motorcyclists More Likely to Die Than Those in Cars?
Several factors may contribute to the deaths of motorcyclists, including the lack of a car body to absorb impact, the skill required to operate a motorcycle safely, and the increased risk presented by weather conditions and road hazards.
Other motorcycle safety statistics to keep in mind include:
- In 2016, 24% of all motorcycle accidents happened between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- In 2016, 5,286 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident.
- In 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries while riding.
- In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists died due to injuriessustained on a motorcycle.
- 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or fatality.
Regarding the contrast of whether there are more car accidents or motorcycle accidents, it’s important to consider the differences between these two types of accidents. Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also result in the loss of life or severe injury. It is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings when operating any motor vehicle.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Riding a motorcycle requires accepting some level of risk. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers. The National Safety Council recommends all motorcyclists take the following precautions while riding:
- Always wear a motorcycle helmet, and make sure it fits you properly.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing to make you more noticeable to other drivers.
- Drive defensively; be prepared to take action if another driver cuts you off, pulls in front of you, or does not see you.
- Choose your bike carefully – sports bikes have a higher death rate than cruisers.
- Pay attention to the road surface so you can avoid potholes, puddles, debris, and other hazards.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In 2015, 42% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were under the influence of alcohol.
In addition, you should take whatever reasonable measures your circumstances require. For example, it might be prudent to slow down because of adverse road or weather conditions.
In extreme weather, it might make sense to delay your travel. Waiting for a storm to pass will take less time from your day than a trip to the emergency room.
Factors That Can Affect Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident
Every motorcycle crash is different, and there is no average settlement a person can collect after getting injured in a motorcycle collision. The facts of your situation will dictate how much compensation you might recover.
These factors will determine your financial recovery:
- The percentage of fault attributable to the at-fault party
- The proportion of fault (if any) that the judge assesses to you
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The kinds of medical intervention you had to undergo for your wounds
- Any complications like an infection that you experienced
- Ongoing impairment like chronic pain, weakness, or loss of function from your injuries
- The amount of your medical bills
- The amount of lost wages you incurred
- The physical discomfort and emotional distress you suffered
- Other intangible losses like disfigurement from extensive scars, paralysis, dismemberment, and loss of enjoyment of life due to disability resulting from the crash
Be sure to talk to your personal injury attorney about all the ways that the collision and your injuries have impacted your life.
Be Aware of the Filing Deadline
Florida law sets a deadline, called a statute of limitations, for filing lawsuits. The relevant time limits are:
- You only have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking money damages from the at-fault party for your injuries and losses, under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). The clock typically starts to run on the date of the collision.
- If your close relative died from a motorcycle accident, you have much less time, only two years, to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d).
Missing the filing deadline can have devastating consequences. The negligent party will no longer have any legal liability for the accident. Neither they nor their insurance company will have to pay you any money for your injuries or losses.
Negotiating is not the same as filing a lawsuit. After the statute of limitations expires, people who try to handle their injury claims without a lawyer find that the claims adjuster suddenly “ghosts,” not returning their phone calls or responding to their emails.
You Can Afford to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Our Daytona Beach motorcycle accident lawyers handle these kinds of personal injury or wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to raid your savings account or run up your credit cards to pay the legal fees because there are no upfront legal fees in these cases.
Instead, the attorney waits until the end of the claim or lawsuit and then receives a percentage of the potential settlement proceeds or jury award. You owe nothing until you win.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Understand Your Legal Options
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you pursue compensation to cover your medical costs. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free motorcycle accident case review. We take care of the legal process so you can focus on getting better. Call our dedicated personal injury legal team today.
