Motorcycle Accident Statistics, Causes and Relevant Factors

General Motorcycle Fatalities and Serious Injuries Statistics

In 2007, there were 5,154 motorcycle deaths and fatalities - the highest number since the Federal Government began recording motorcycle accidents in 1975.
From 1998 to 2005, motorcycle accident fatalities increased 102%, where all other motor vehicle deaths increased by only 24%.
From 1998 to 2005, motorcycle accident serious injuries increased 63%, where all other motor vehicle serious injuries increased a mere 4.9%.
From 1998 to 2005, 35% of all motorcycle accident fatalities were legally determined to be the responsibility of the other negligent driver.
From 1998 to 2005, 44% of all motorcycle accident serious injuries were legally determined to be the responsibility of the other negligent driver.
In 2006, the total number of motorcycle accident fatalities in California was 433. This number has been increasing, and in 2007, there were 465 motorcycle fatalities in California.

The University of Southern California (U.S.C.), funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), conducted a study entitled "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures.”

This study fully dissected over 4,500 motorcycle accidents and accident reports which occurred in the Los Angeles area. The following motorcycle statistics were determined:

About 75% of the motorcycle accidents included a motor vehicle other than the motorcycle;
About 25% of the motorcycle accidents only involved the motorcycle in which the motorcycle either struck a fixed object or was the result of a road condition;
Less than 3% of the motorcycle accidents were from motorcycle vehicle failure, and the majority of those were single motorcycle accidents where the motorcyclist lost control because of a flat or punctured tire;
Unmaintained roadways, such as potholes and pavement ridges accounted for 2% of the accidents;
For multiple vehicle motorcycle accidents, the driver, other than the motorcyclist, violated the motorcycle riders legal right-of-way which caused 2/3 of the multiple vehicle accidents;
The most common motorcycle accident is one in which the motorcycle rider is proceeding straight and the driver of another motor vehicle makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle;
Intersections were the most common place for motorcycle accidents in which the other motor vehicle driver either violates the motorcyclists right-of-way or disobeys traffic controls.
Weather failed to be a factor in 98% of the motorcycle accidents;
Most motorcycle accidents occur on planned short distance motorcycle trips and occur close to the starting location;
In about 50% of multiple vehicle motorcycle accidents glare or an opaque obstruction was a factor;
After the motorcycle accident, fuel system leaks and spills were present 62% of the time, which accounts for a further fire hazard;
The median pre-crash speed for all of the motorcycle accidents was 29.8 mph; and
The median crash speed was 21.5 mph.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers If You Have Been Seriously Injured In A Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Burbank Pasadena or Glendale, please contact one of our motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a FREE confidential initial consultation today. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to recover compensation for your injuries.

Call our Motorcycle Accidnet Law Firm at 800-704-8237 for a free attorney consultation.