Use our guide to understand key legal considerations and what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Understanding the Role & Responsibilities of Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders have a crucial role in ensuring their safety on the roads. However, it is essential to recognize that not all motorcycle accidents are solely the riders’ fault. While rider behavior can contribute to accidents, external factors such as road conditions, weather, or the actions of other road users can as well.
Common rider-related factors that can contribute to accidents include:
- Speeding.
- Reckless maneuvering.
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.
- Failure to use appropriate safety gear.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics, Facts, and Figures
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes (a 10.6% increase from the previous year).
Additional data includes:
- 53% of all motorcycles involved in 2022 Missouri fatal crashes collided with another motor vehicle in transport (data from Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety).
- Injuries impacted 82,528 motorcyclists in 2020, a 2-percent decrease from 83,814 in 2019 (data from NHTSA).
- In states without universal helmet laws, 57 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing helmets, compared to 11 percent in States with universal helmet laws. Furthermore, in 2020 only 19 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico required helmet use for all motorcyclists. Missouri is included in the 19 States even though their helmet law changed in August 2020 to only require helmets for a subset of motorcyclists (data from NHTSA)
- The average settlement amount for motorcycle accident cases is approximately $66,000. However, each case is unique, and there are many factors that can affect the value of a case.
- Most motorcycle accident case settle with 6 to 12 months from the date of the accident. However, some may take longer due to medical treatment or complex litigation.
Top 10 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, passengers, or other factors may fail to notice motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions.
- Failure to yield: Motorists often fail to deliver the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or when changing lanes, resulting in accidents.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who change lanes without properly checking blind spots or failing to signal can collide with motorcycles in adjacent streets.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the reaction time for riders and drivers, making it difficult to avoid accidents or control the bike effectively.
- Impaired driving: Operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Lack of visibility: Motorcycles are smaller than cars, especially in blind spots. Drivers who fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance may cause accidents.
- Lane splitting: In situations where lane splitting is legal, motorcyclists passing between lanes of slow or stopped traffic are at risk of accidents if drivers are not attentive or unaware of their presence.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, debris, or oil spills can pose more significant risks to motorcycles due to reduced stability, leading to loss of control and accidents.
- Inexperienced riders: Lack of experience and insufficient training can lead to poor decision-making, overestimation of skills, and inability to handle unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of motorcycle accidents.
- Failure to use proper safety gear: Not wearing a helmet, protective clothing, or other safety gear increases the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Get Help from the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
If a motorcycle accident has injured you or a loved one, get help from a Brown & Crouppen Law Firm lawyer. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you build a strong claim and recover compensation for damages.
Getting started with your case is straightforward. Call 888-795-0694 for a free case evaluation, or find out if you have a claim online. Our attorneys operate on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or legal fees – we only get paid if you win. With over 250+ legal professionals and offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and other locations throughout the Midwest, our firm can help you fight and build a strong case.
