Most automobile accidents are caused by driver negligence, but what about motorcycle accidents? The answer matters because anyone hurt in a motorcycle crash can sue for compensation if someone else is to blame. At The Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, our motorcycle accident lawyer reviews the most up-to-date studies on accident causation.
Speeding is the Leading Cause of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its compilation of statistics involving fatal motorcycle accidents in 2020. They found that 34% of fatal accidents were caused by speeding.
Those between the ages of 25 and 29 were most at risk of a speeding-related fatality. But the percentages were high for all motorcyclists, except for those 60 and older and for motorcyclists under the age of 15.
Alcohol is Another Leading Cause
NHTSA also found that 27% of those involved in a fatal motorcycle accident had a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This means they were legally intoxicated. Those 45-49 were most likely to be intoxicated.
Is Inexperience to Blame?
NHTSA also found that 36% of those involved in fatal accidents did not have a valid motorcycle license. Of course, it’s hard to draw a straight line between this fact and a fatal collision. Still, we imagine that one reason a person would not have a valid license is that they are new to riding, so we cannot dismiss that rider inexperience could be a cause of accidents.
Many Motorcyclists Cause Their Own Accidents
Other studies have shown that a staggering 76% of accidents are front-end collisions. This fact suggests that motorcyclists were responsible for driving off the road or hitting something. By contrast, only 7% of motorcycle accidents involve a vehicle striking a motorcyclist from behind. We can reasonably assume that most of these accidents are the fault of other motorists who are distracted or tailgating.
Furthermore, about 23% of motorcycle accidents involve motorcyclists crashing into fixed objects, like a telephone pole, fire hydrant, or mailbox. These accidents are likely the result of reckless driving.
When is Someone Else to Blame?
Although motorcyclists are to blame for many collisions, they are not liable for all of them. We have helped many people injured when a road defect causes them to lose control or a negligent driver hits them. Rear-end collisions are fairly common and occur most often when a driver is distracted by a cell phone. They don’t see that a motorcyclist is slowing down in front of them, and they plow straight ahead.
Other accidents are caused when unfixed potholes cause you to lose control. These road defects are often the fault of the agency responsible for the road.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Please contact our law firm to investigate what caused your collision. When a careless motorist is at fault, we can use our experience to negotiate a settlement with their insurance provider. We can also sue other entities, like a municipality for failure to maintain a safe road. Our consultations are free if you call today.