With the wind in your hair and the open road before you, driving a motorcycle can be exhilarating. The feeling of freedom is often associated with this experience. However, without the extra protection, you may wonder: “Is a motorcycle more dangerous than a car?” or, “Whom should I call if I am injured in an accident?”
There’s a wealth of research on how dangerous motorcycles are compared to cars. The motorcycles vs. cars accident statistics below explore this recent information. And, if you or a loved one suffers an injury from an accident on the road, give Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys a call.
Types of Las Vegas Car Accidents
Motorcycles vs cars accident statistics show that motorcycles do crash more than cars. However, cars get into devastating accidents, too. For instance, sideswipes, rollovers, and even fender-benders all can cause unforeseen injuries. Other types of car accident impacts are:
- Chain reactions, when a singular action or vehicle causes multiple wrecks.
- Side-impacts, like a T-bone, when one vehicle strikes another from the side. This type of impact does not strike the crumple zone of a vehicle. This sometimes leads to more damage to passengers inside.
- Head-on collisions, which occur when two cars meet head on. These impacts can happen when cars travel the wrong way, or veer into oncoming lanes of traffic.
The occupants of a passenger vehicle have more protection than those of a motorcycle. Still, these types of accidents can also cause serious injury. On a motorcycle, these accidents may lead to even worse circumstances.
Types of Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents
Just how common are motorcycle accidents? In 2019, motorcyclists were around 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to succumb to life threatening injuries. Motorcyclists were also 4 times more likely to be injured.
Motorcycle accidents come in many forms. Similar to common car accidents, motorcycles may be involved in:
- Head-on collisions
- Read-end accidents
- Sideswipes
- Side impacts
Motorcycles can also rollover, though this has much worse implications than an automobile rollover. If a motorcycle overturns, it’s very probable that the rider was ejected.
Due to a motorcycle’s small size, it’s more common for them to be struck by other vehicles on the road. This happens when other drivers fail to see the bike. Often, this occurs when motorcycles pass other vehicles, drive through an intersection, or split lanes.
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle enters the space between two vehicles in between two lanes. The bike is no longer in a lane, but straddling the line. Other drivers sometimes do not expect a motorcycle there, and may strike them.
Causes of Accidents on the Road
Motorcycles vs cars accident statistics also find that each kind of wreck has some similar causes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), distracted driving caused 3,522 deaths in 2021. Furthermore, in 2017, about 91,000 crashes involved drowsy drivers. Of these accidents, 50,000 people sustained injuries, and almost 800 died.
Additionally, accidents may happen due to mechanical failure, poor lighting at night, reckless driving, and other negligent actions. Ultimately, when it comes to car vs. motorcycle safety, anything can happen to any vehicle on the road. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle wreck at no fault of your own, reach out to the team at Lerner and Rowe. With thousands of five star reviews, you’ll know you’re in good hands.
Alcohol Related Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Of course, driving under the influence causes major car and motorcycle accidents. In 2019, the NHTSA found that 10,142 people died due to drunk driving. Nevada suffered 92 of these fatalities. Overall, this was a decrease from 10,710 nationally collected fatalities the previous year. 88 of these deaths happened in Nevada.
But, how does a car vs. motorcycle accident compare when it comes to impaired crashes? In 2019, 3,975 alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in fatal passenger car accidents. This showed a decrease from the previous year. 1,466 were involved in fatal motorcycle crashes, which was an increase from 2018.
This number seems to suggest that motorcycles are less likely to be involved in an alcohol related incident. However, motorcycles account for only 3% of registered vehicles in the United States. Thus, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes is highly disproportionate in general, let alone when considering alcohol as a cause.
Misconceptions about Motorcycle Drivers
A common misconception about motorcycle drivers suggests that they are much more reckless than other drivers. Some believe that they break the law, have dangerous habits, and cause many accidents.
These misconceptions are simply not true. In fact, actions like lane splitting are completely legal in Nevada, though not in every state.
Furthermore, motorcyclists must have a special license in order to operate a bike. Many riders take intensive safety classes in order to obtain that license.
Finally, while many think motorcyclists are dangerous, it is often the drivers of passenger cars and trucks that fail to see the motorcycle, not the other way around.
Car and Motorcycle Injuries Compared
How do injuries compare in a car vs. motorcycle wreck? First, it’s worth noting that due to the lack of surrounding area on a motorcycle, there is no such thing as a minor motorcycle accident. Chances are high that the motorcyclist and possible passenger will suffer injuries, or even death. So, while a minor car wreck may lead to some bruises, cuts, or a small concussion, a motorcycle wreck will most likely cause more catastrophic damage.
Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Leg injuries to the knees, feet, and ankles,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially if a helmet is not worn,
- Road rash, when the friction between the road and the body causes burns and scrapes.
Common injuries that may occur during either a car or motorcycle accident are:
- Internal injuries, caused by the sudden stop of inertia from a moving object,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Muscle damage,
- Scrapes, contusions, and bruises.
Of course, leg, head, neck, and brain injuries can happen during a car wreck as well. Any one of these injuries may require emergency care. To receive this care, emergency services may need to be deployed. Those injured may need an ambulance ride, or in extreme cases, a helicopter ride to a hospital.
Once there, the injured person may need to endure tests, medications, and more in order to determine the extent of the injuries. All of this has a monetary and emotional cost for the patient and their family.
When injured in an accident, you need to focus on recovery. At Lerner and Rowe, we work to carry the emotional burden of a complicated case. There’s no fee unless we win, so you won’t need to worry about any costs upfront.
Motorcycle Accident Safety Tips/Preventing Motorcycle Injuries
In 2021, 5,932 motorcyclists died in fatal traffic crashes. If you’re considering hitting the road on two wheels, any of these safety precautions may protect you and a passenger from a devastating motorcycle wreck.
- Practice riding your motorcycle, and take a class before obtaining your permit. Even if you feel confident around motorcycles, there are certain benefits to refreshing your road safety knowledge. Your perspective may change, and you may anticipate a dangerous situation before it occurs.
- Maintain your vehicle. Keep headlights, tires, and brakes in good condition. Check on fluid levels and watch for any leaks on the pavement beneath your bike. Should you notice a potential issue, don’t ignore it. Instead, have a professional take a look at the problem. It could mean a difference between life and death.
- Always wear a helmet. If you are ejected from a motorcycle at high speeds, you may take severe damage above the neck. A snug, properly fitting helmet can protect your brain, face, skull, eyes, and facial features from impact.
- Furthermore, wear proper gear on the rest of your body. Arms and legs should be covered by thick fabric, and gloves should be worn to keep a good grip during an impact. Footwear should cover the ankles for more support. Consider brightly colored clothing as well, to stand out to other motorists who may not expect you.
When it comes to motorcycle vs. car safety, motorcyclists must take more precautions to protect themselves. Unfortunately, there are times when taking every precaution does not stop a wreck from happening. Make sure you know who to call if this happens to you or a loved one—the attorneys at Lerner and Rowe.
Car and Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Lerner and Rowe
Accidents can happen whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car. So, it’s important to know who you can turn to in your time of need. In Las Vegas, the car and motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe can help you win the compensation you and your family deserve.
If you have been injured in a wreck, or are caring for a loved one who has been hurt due to the negligence of another, contact us today. Call (702) 877-1500 and set up a free consultation. Or, use our LiveChat feature to speak virtually with a live legal representative. You can also fill out an online form to get the process started.
Don’t wait; we are ready to help you and your family 24/7. Reach out today!