Car Accidents vs. Motorcycle Accidents: Statistics, Facts, and The Ways They Differ

Although there definitely are some similarities between motorcycle and car accidents, the two are handled differently by personal injury lawyers. Since motorcyclists are more at risk of severe injury and fatality, the entire nature of one’s personal injury case can change drastically. We discuss the many ways car and motorcycle accidents differ and how they can affect one’s case. 

Motorcycle Accidents Result in More Fatalities than Car Accidents 

According to data from 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in car crashes than those operating passenger motor vehicles. Although motorcycles only account for a small percentage of vehicles on the road, the majority of motor accidents are comprised of motorcycles. Additionally, motorcycle accidents are significantly more fatal than passenger motor vehicles. 

More Severe Injuries Come from Motorcycle Accidents 

Because motorcyclists are more exposed, they tend to suffer from more severe injuries than those who get in accidents in passenger motor vehicles. Car manufacturers have been focusing on more ways that they can improve safety features in cars, including airbags, seatbelts, and safety glass, all of which are missing from motorcycles. While some motorcycles are equipped with anti-lock braking systems and adaptive protective shells, this only minimizes the risk of severe injuries by very little. 

Motorcycle Accidents are Reported More Often than Car Accidents

In many instances, drivers in passenger vehicles fail to notice motorcycles on the road, resulting in catastrophic motorcycle accidents. Even environmental factors can play a role in the reports of motorcycle accidents, including conditions of gravel and asphalt, dirt on the roadways, and weather. All of these factors can have a great impact on a motorcyclist’s ability to maintain their bike in an upright position.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that are unique to car accidents. One common injury that motorcyclists involved in car accidents experience that those in car accidents do not experience is road burn or road rash. This is when a motorcyclist suffers from friction burns that tear away skin and tissue when dragged along asphalt. Biker’s arm is another injury motorcyclists suffer from. This injury occurs when a motorcyclist’s arm absorbs the impact of a collision with another motor vehicle. 

Common Car Accident Injuries 

There are several injuries that drivers of passenger vehicles experience as opposed to those involved in motorcycle accidents. Some are minor, some are severe. When it comes to car accidents, there is a major risk for lacerations, broken bones in the spine, back, and neck, internal injuries, concussions, and even traumatic brain injury. Although victims of car accidents have more safety measures in their vehicles, they are significantly less likely to suffer from injuries, minor or severe. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

In addition to conditions with the weather and on the road, as we mentioned earlier, there are many other causes of motorcycle accidents. Because some drivers may not see motorcyclists on the road, they could run into them while trying to switch lanes. 

Drunk driving also results in motorcycle accidents. What many drivers don’t know is that a pothole could do much more damage to a motorcycle than it can to a car. For most motor passenger vehicles, potholes could damage their tires, but for motorcycles, a pothole could result in an accident. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents and injuries on the road for passenger vehicle drivers more than motorcyclists. Although, distracted driving is seen more in passenger vehicle drivers because they have more ease to do other things while driving such as eating, using a phone, or applying makeup. Another common cause of car accidents is speeding, which is also often the case in motorcycle accidents. 

Learn More About The Different Types of Personal Injury Cases — Contact Us Today

Though there are many ways in which car accidents and motorcycle accidents differ, they are still both to be taken just as seriously. If you have been in an accident, do not hesitate to contact our law offices today to get the representation you need.