Henderson Motorcycle Injury Attorney

Motorcycle facts 

Motorcycles first appeared in 1884, and although the earliest model had three wheels, by 1900, there were electric bicycles with two wheels. Two of the oldest motorcycle companies in the United States released their first motorcycles in 1901. 

Motorcycles are increasingly popular in the United States. The number of registered motorcycles in the U.S. doubled over a 20-year period beginning in 2002, and there were 8.6 million registered motorcycles in the U.S. in 2021. 

Although 8.6 million motorcycles may not seem high when you consider the U.S. was home to over 232 million licensed drivers and 282 million registered motor vehicles, reasons for the popularity of motorcycles include the following:

• Affordability: Many affordable motorcycle options cost less than a car. While spending more for specific models or customization is possible, most people can save money by purchasing a motorcycle.
• Driver bonds: Motorcyclists connect over their enthusiasm for motorcycles. For some, going for a ride is a social event.
• Driving style: Motorcycles demand more from their drivers. Drivers use their body weight and position when operating their motorcycles.
• Fuel efficiency: Although temperatures, vehicle age, engine oil, maintenance history, and trip length affect a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, smaller vehicles tend to be more fuel efficient. Many motorcycles weigh 500 pounds or less, which is significantly less than a compact car’s 2,600 to 3,000 pounds. 
• The thrill: Motorcycles deliver an open-air riding experience and a sense of freedom that cars can’t match

How many motorcycle accidents happen per year?

There were over 4.7 million cars involved in traffic accidents in 2020; in that same year, there were 106,000 motorcycles involved in accidents. 

Considering there were more than 105 million registered passenger cars in the United States in 2020, the number of cars in accidents represents approximately 4.5% of all registered cars. The number of motorcycles involved in accidents represents approximately 1.2% of the 8.6 million registered in the U.S. that year.

What percent of motorcycle riders get in accidents?

The number of motorcycle accidents per year suggests approximately 1.2% of motorcyclists get in yearly accidents. Still, the exact number of motorcycle riders involved in accidents varies. Motorcyclists may ride solo or have a second motorcyclist as a passenger when they’re in an accident. Some motorcyclists use sidecars to transport additional motorcyclists. 

What percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death? 

Motorcyclists have a higher risk of death or injury in an accident. Four out of every five motorcyclists in an accident are injured or killed, compared to just one out of every five passenger car drivers or passengers is killed or injured. 

IIHS reports that there were 42,939 motor vehicle fatalities in 2021. Motorcyclists accounted for 6,084 deaths, representing 14% of all motor vehicle fatalities that year. By comparison, the 8.6 million registered motorcycles account for only 3% of the 282 million registered motor vehicles, demonstrating that motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause injuries or death.

What percent of motorcycle accidents are the rider’s fault? 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 38% of fatal motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, this doesn’t mean the motorcyclist was responsible for all those accidents or that other drivers were responsible for the 62% of motorcycle accident fatalities stemming from multi-vehicle crashes.

Other motorists are more likely to cause motorcycle crashes, but there are cases where no driver is at fault. Bad weather conditions, wildlife, and mechanical issues can cause motorcycle accidents.

Why are motorcycle accident injuries so severe? 

Cars absorb the impact when vehicles collide. Safety features can prevent drivers or passengers from sustaining injuries or reduce the severity of any injuries.

Motorcycles don’t offer the same protections that other vehicles provide. Consequently, it’s easier for motorcyclists to be thrown from their vehicles or come in contact with other vehicles after an accident.

Motorcycle laws

Although motorcyclists have a higher risk of injury or death when they’re in an accident, state motorcycle helmet laws vary. The following states do not require any motorcyclists to wear helmets:

• Illinois
• Iowa
• New Hampshire

Some states require younger riders to wear helmets. For example, motorcyclists under 22 must wear helmets in Arkansas. 

The following states require motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets:

• Florida
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas

The following states have motorcycle helmet laws for those 18 or younger:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado

The following states require motorcyclists under the age of 18 to wear helmets:

• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Maine
• Minnesota 
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming 

The following 18 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear helmets:

• Alabama
• California
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

The following are some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted driving: Cognitive, manual, and visual distractions prevent drivers from paying attention to the road, making it less likely they’ll notice other motorists or changes in road conditions. Cognitive distractions take a person’s mind off driving, such as replaying arguments or thinking about personal problems. Manual distractions involve removing one or both hands from the wheel, which reduces the amount of control the driver has. Holding a cell phone or eating are manual distractions. Visual distractions prompt a driver to take their eyes off the road. Reading text messages is an example of a visual distraction.
• Driving under the influence: Consuming alcohol or taking drugs can reduce a driver’s brain’s processing speed, preventing them from being aware of their surroundings or responding to changes in road conditions
• Speeding: Experts set speed limits based on road conditions, such as the road type, proximity to residences or schools, whether the road is straight or flat, and the number of intersections. Speeding reduces the time available to stop a vehicle or change lanes. Speeding through areas with many pedestrians or slow-moving traffic increases the chances of an accident.

Motorcyclists are also at risk because of low visibility. Since motorcycles are narrower than other vehicles, it’s harder for motorists to see them, increasing the chances of a collision.

The practice of lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic when cars are stopped or moving slowly. This also increases the risk of accidents.

How can you prevent a motorcycle accident?

There are some things motorcyclists and other drivers can do to prevent motorcycle accidents.

Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists should avoid lane splitting and follow all traffic laws. Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing reflective clothing or bright-colored clothing. 

Other drivers: The most effective way for drivers to prevent motorcycle accidents involves employing safe driving habits. Avoid consuming alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription drugs before operating a motor vehicle. Drivers should also avoid distractions, obey local speed limits, and avoid driving when tired.

Steps to take after a motorcycle accident

Take the following steps after a motorcycle accident:

• Check for injuries: Check other motorists and passengers to see if they’re injured and provide assistance
• Call the police: The police can assist injured motorists, help clear roadways, investigate the accident, identify witnesses, and write an accident report
• Exchange information: You should provide your name, vehicle registration, driver’s license number, and insurance information to other drivers involved in the accident. You should also receive this information from other drivers. 
• Gather evidence: Write down what occurred before, during, and after the accident. Take photos and videos. Get names and contact information for any witnesses. 
• Seek medical treatment: Severe injuries may be apparent, but internal injuries may not have immediate symptoms. Medical professionals can run tests to ensure you receive treatment for any injuries you suffer.
• Contact an attorney: Accident lawyers offer free consultations, and you can contact a lawyer from the accident scene to receive legal counsel. Your attorney will ensure you take the appropriate steps after a motorcycle accident. 
• Stay at the accident scene: Nevada law requires motorists involved in an accident to stay at the scene, exchange information with other drivers, and ensure injured persons receive medical care

How much compensation could you receive after a motorcycle accident? 

Accident victims may seek economic and non-economic damages from the person(s) responsible for their accident. 

Economic damages are reimbursement for costs incurred because of the accident and may include the following:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Personal expenses (such as childcare or transportation costs)
• Property repairs

Non-economic damages compensate accident victims for the way the accident impacts them. Grounds for non-economic damages include the following:

• Disfigurement
• Grief
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma

In some cases, motorcycle accident victims can also seek punitive damages.

How an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help 

Henderson’s best motorcycle accident lawyers serve clients in Henderson, Paradise, and the surrounding area. The experienced legal team at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys will investigate the accident and build your case. We’ll help you calculate the damages and fight for you to get the compensation you deserve after your accident.

Sources:

Carlier, M. (2023). Licensed drivers in the U.S. – total number by state 2021. 

Cromer, G. (2023). Motorcycle History. 

Fast Facts 2021: Motorcycles and ATVs. (2023). 

How much does a car weigh? Average Weights. (2023). 

How much does a motorcycle weigh? (2023). 

Moon, C. (2022). Which States Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws? How Do They Impact Your Insurance?

Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Statistics. (2023). 

NRS 484E.020. Number of motor vehicles registered in the United States from 1990 to 2021. (2023).