Motorcycle and Car Accident Statistics (Oct 2024)

Alex

Oct 12, 2024 — 5 min read

Motorcycle and car accidents are a significant concern worldwide. They result in countless injuries and fatalities each year.

Understanding the statistics behind these accidents is crucial. It helps us identify patterns, causes, and potential prevention strategies.

In this article, we delve into the motorcycle and car accident statistics as of October 2024. We aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the data available.

Join us as we navigate the intricate world of accident statistics. Let's shed light on this critical issue and contribute to safer roads for all.

Top Motorcycle and Car Accident Statistics (Editor's Picks)
Motorcycle and Car Accident Statistics Historical Trend
Traffic Crash Victims: Injuries Historical Trend
Fatal Car and Motorcycle Accident Statistics by the State
Top 10 States with the Highest Motorcycle and Car Accidents Fatal Crash Numbers
Top 10 States with the Lowers Motorcycle and Car Accidents Fatal Crash Numbers
Crashes, by Day of Week, and Crash Severity
Top Reasons of the Motorcycle and Car Fatal Accidents
Motorcycle and Car Accident Lawyer Fees
Motorcycle and Car Accident Lawyers by the State

Top Motorcycle and Car Accident Statistics (Editor's Picks)

Motorcycles account for only about 3% of vehicles on the road but make up around 14% of all traffic fatalities.
Motor-vehicle crashes cost an estimated $481.2 billion, covering property damage, medical expenses, lost productivity, and legal fees.
Notable high BAC was recorded at 0.77% during a DUI arrest in Oregon in 2021, which is more than twice times the legal limit.
Biggest car accident settlements in U.S. history occurred in 1999 when a jury awarded $4.9 billion to the Anderson family in a lawsuit against General Motors.
The Helmet Paradox: While motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 69%, a significant number of motorcyclists still choose not to wear them. In 2020, only 69% of motorcyclists wore helmets, despite the fact that wearing a helmet is mandatory in only 18 U.S. state
Left Turns are Dangerous: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is cars making left-hand turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle. In fact, 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a car happen when the car turns left while the motorcycle is going straight through an intersection

Motorcycle and Car Accident Statistics Historical Trend

Traffic Crash Victims: Injuries Historical Trend

Fatal Crashes Statistics by the State

When it comes to fatalities, the data paints a stark picture. Motorcycles, despite making up a smaller proportion of road traffic, account for a disproportionate number of deaths.

This is largely due to the lack of protection offered by motorcycles. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact in the event of a collision.

The severity of motorcycle accidents is also influenced by speed. High-speed crashes are more likely to result in fatalities, and motorcycles often travel at higher speeds than cars.

Top 10 States with the Highest Motorcycle and Car Accidents Fatal Crash Numbers

State	Number of Fatal Crashes
California	4,428.00
Texas	4,408.00
Florida	3,530.00
Georgia	1,797.00
North Carolina	1,630.00
Tennessee	1,314.00
Arizona	1,302.00
Ohio	1,275.00
Illinois	1,268.00
Pennsylvania	1,179.00

Top 10 States with the Lowest Motorcycle and Car Accidents Fatal Crash Numbers

State	Number of Fatal Crashes
District of Columbia	32.00
Rhode Island	52.00
Vermont	76.00
Alaska	82.00
North Dakota	98.00
Hawaii	116.00
Wyoming	134.00
South Dakota	137.00
New Hampshire	146.00
Delaware	162.00

Crashes, by Day of Week, and Crash Severity

Day of Week	Fatal Crashes	Injury Crashes	Property-Damage-Only Crashes
Friday	5,996.00	279,969.00	715,118.00
Monday	4,980.00	241,172.00	608,330.00
Saturday	7,006.00	223,353.00	541,317.00
Sunday	6,041.00	190,757.00	450,306.00
Thursday	5,238.00	253,138.00	647,947.00
Tuesday	4,887.00	235,067.00	629,108.00
Wednesday	5,073.00	241,142.00	634,550.00

Top Reasons of the Motorcycle and Car Fatal Accidents

Factors	Number	Percent
Driving too fast for conditions, in excess of posted speed limit, or racing	11,103.00	18.50
Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication	6,594.00	11.00
Operating vehicle in a careless manner	5,319.00	8.90
Failure to yield right-of-way	4,432.00	7.40
Failure to keep in proper lane	3,420.00	5.70
Distracted (phone, talking, eating, object, etc.)	3,124.00	5.20
Failure to obey traffic signs, signals, or officer	2,541.00	4.20
Operating vehicle in erratic, reckless or negligent manner	2,251.00	3.70
Overcorrecting/oversteering	1,708.00	2.80
Vision obscured (rain, snow, glare, lights, building, trees, etc.)	1,542.00	2.60
Swerving or avoiding due to wind, slippery surface, ...	1,334.00	2.20
Driving wrong way on one-way traffic or wrong side of road	1,282.00	2.10
Drowsy, asleep, fatigued, ill, or blackout	1,264.00	2.10
Making improper turn	485.00	0.80
Other factors	6,017.00	10.00
None reported	8,492.00	14.10
Unknown	20,263.00	33.70

Motorcycle and Car Accident Lawyer Fees

The legal costs of a car accident can vary significantly depending on the case's complexity, but typically involve several factors:

Attorney Fees: Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take a percentage of the settlement. This is usually between 30% to 40% of the total settlement. For example, if your settlement is $100,000, the legal fees could range from $30,000 to $40,000. This cost is only paid if you win your case, and there are generally no upfront fees
Court and Litigation Fees: These include costs for filing fees, expert witnesses, deposition fees, and gathering evidence like medical records or police reports. These expenses can add up to several thousand dollars, and many attorneys deduct these from the settlement.
Total Cost for Severe Cases: In more complex or catastrophic cases, settlements can range from $50,000 to over $500,000, depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and long-term impact on the victim's life.

In total, legal costs, including attorney fees and additional expenses, can range from several thousand to well over $100,000 for larger settlements