Every time you go out on the highway, whether on a motorcycle or in a car, you risk getting involved in an accident. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that over 12 million car accidents occur nationwide annually, including more than 20 million vehicles. Over 2 million individuals will suffer a disabling injury in these crashes. Sadly, up to 75% of individuals who suffer an injury in a vehicle accident will still be experiencing symptoms six months after a collision. This lengthy recovery time can be financially and emotionally draining on victims. If you have suffered injuries in any type of motor vehicle accident, you deserve a lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

What Insights Can Statistics Give Us Into Car Accidents?

One point that is apparent from car accident studies is that no one is immune to the risks of an accident, no matter how cautiously they drive. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) estimates that the typical car driver will experience a close call while driving once or twice a month and be involved in a vehicle accident about every six years. As a result of these accidents, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 6% of vehicle occupants will suffer severe injuries or fatalities. However, practicing safe driving habits such as limiting distractions, driving the posted speed limit, and properly maintaining your vehicle can certainly improve your odds of avoiding a crash.

What Additional Risks Do Motorcycle Riders Face?

California has the largest number of registered motorcycles of any state, at over 800,000. With this many motorcycles on the road, it may be unsurprising that there are over 10,000 motorcycle accidents reported in the state yearly. Unfortunately, because motorcycles lack many of the safety features of cars and leave their riders vulnerable to dangerous impacts, the injuries caused by these accidents can result in much longer recovery times, higher medical bills, and a higher rate of fatality than car accidents. In fact, motorcycle riders are roughly 30 times more likely to die due to an accident than car occupants. Other sobering statistics include:

  • Motorcycles account for only about 2% of all registered vehicles nationwide but represent 5% of all highway accident fatalities.
  • Based on studies by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the fatality rate for motorcyclists is 25.67 for every 100 million motor vehicle miles traveled versus 0.67 for car occupants.
  • According to the NHTSA, 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, compared to 20% of all car accidents.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Car or Motorcycle Accident?

While statistics can be a valuable tool for understanding accidents, we know that behind the numbers are real people dealing with a traumatic and challenging experience. If you have been involved in an accident, compassionate legal support for motorbike injury cases can help you through the claims process so that you can direct your time and energy toward healing. Call (866) 780-8585 for a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable accident attorney.