Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents Rate
The motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents rate shows that motorcyclists represented 14 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the agency, motorcyclists are “overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes.” Another NHTSA report shows that 28,367 drivers and passengers died in motor vehicle crashes versus 6,101 motorcyclists in 2021.
Are There More Motorcycle Accidents Than Car Accidents?
Car accidents are far more common than motorcycle accidents since there are more cars than motorcycles out on the road at any given time. It makes sense that the vehicle that is most represented on America’s roads would be involved in the most accidents.
That being said, when it comes to interpreting data regarding motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents, it is important to recognize several key factors, including that:
- Cars are bigger than motorcycles: That means they can inflict a lot more damage than a motorcycle can, so motorcyclists end up suffering disproportionately.
- Motorcyclists have less protection: Even when wearing a helmet and other protective gear, motorcyclists do not have the benefit of a heavy vehicle surrounding them and absorbing the crash’s impact.
- There are fewer motorcyclists: While the total number of motorcycle accidents may seem small when compared to car accidents, motorcyclists are statistically more likely to end up in a serious crash.
To illustrate the last point, we can use Florida as an example and pull data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This data breaks down the motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents rate for 2022 as follows:
- There was a total of 391,836 traffic accidents in the state.
- Of these, only 9,153 crashes involved motorcycles.
- Total fatalities equaled 3,491, or less than one percent of all accidents.
- Motorcycle fatalities equaled 590, or about 6 percent of motorcycle accidents.
As these numbers make clear, motorcycle accidents represent a relatively minor figure when compared to all traffic accidents. They are, however, considerably more dangerous and all too often fatal to those involved.
Causes of Accidents Between Cars and Motorcycles
A 2019 study undertaken by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) showed that both cars and motorcycles can cause motorcycle accidents. Here are a few examples:
- Distracted motorcyclists caused 32 percent of motorcycle crashes, while 43 percent of crashes were caused by distracted drivers.
- The motorcyclist’s speed was a factor in 29 percent of crashes, while the driver’s speed played a role 21 percent of the time.
- In 13 percent of motorcycle crashes, the motorcyclist was found to be drunk or high. A drunk or high driver contributed to three percent of such crashes.
In rare cases, someone or something other than a motorcyclist or a driver (e.g., an animal or a faulty car part) may cause a collision.
Motorcyclists and Drivers Have a Responsibility to Keep the Roads Safe
This information shows why it is so important for all road users to obey the laws and respect others at all times. Anyone can cause an accident, so it is everyone’s responsibility to do what they can to minimize that risk by:
- Operating within all traffic laws, including street signs
- Keeping an eye out for other vehicles, especially smaller ones like motorcycles, that could more easily escape notice
- Using all necessary protective equipment, including seatbelts and helmets, to reduce your chances of suffering a catastrophic injury
Damages in Car Accidents vs. Motorcycle Accidents
Both car occupants and motorcyclists can suffer the same types of injuries during a collision, including:
- Damage to their vehicle
- Medical expenses stemming from accident injuries
- Physical and emotional pain caused by the injuries
- Temporary or permanent disabilities
- Inability to work in either the short or long term
- Inability to qualify for promotions or wage increases
- Scar tissue or disfiguring marks
- Reduced quality of life caused by lack of independence or inability to enjoy oneself
As noted before, motorcyclists are more likely to sustain very severe or fatal injuries than car occupants. For that reason, motorcyclists may qualify for more compensation on average than a driver or passenger.
If you sustained these or other types of injuries, a personal injury lawyer fort lauderdale could help you seek damages from whoever caused them. Both car accidents and motorcycle accidents can do serious harm, and you deserve the chance to:
- Recover monetary compensation
- Hold the responsible party accountable
- Focus on your recovery while your Florida motorcycle accident attorney all the work
Survivors of motorcycle accidents and car accidents should not have to lose any more than they already have through another party’s reckless actions.
Motorcycle and Car Accidents Could Entitle You to Compensation
Regardless of the motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents rate, every accident survivor deserves the chance to pursue compensation for their injuries and financial losses. Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato by calling (954) 633-8270. We can evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.
