Are Motorcycle Accidents Worse Than Car Accidents?

Owning a motorcycle is a commitment that is significantly different than owning a car. You need to go through additional training to obtain a separate driver’s license. You also have to embrace the idea that if the motorcycle is your only mode of transportation, you are going to be exposed to the elements. In other words, you’re going to be driving in the rain and will get drenched. Riding a motorcycle also increases the risk of serious injury.

Recently, there were five motorcycles killed in crashes over a single 10-day period. As reported by Fox5, one of the cyclists was killed when a car made a left turn in front of the rider. There were other issues with the rear end and lane switches. This is the type of tragedy that exemplifies the dangers of riding a motorcycle.

Motorcycle and Car Accident Facts

Clearly, there are more cars than motorcycles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 42,514 traffic fatalities overall in 2022. Overall, that represents a decrease of 3.6% from 2021. When you dig into the numbers, you find that the number of motorcyclist fatalities increased by 1.2% with 75 incidents.

Why Cyclists Are More Vulnerable

Although by the numbers, motorcyclists aren’t involved in as many accidents as drivers, they are more vulnerable on the road. If you’re considering becoming a motorcyclist, you need to be aware of the risks.

Less Overall Protection

The average SUV weighs around 4,000 pounds. They are also designed to withstand the impact of a serious accident. That is why you might see many cars in wrecks with smashed trunks and engine fronts, but the driver area is relatively intact. A motorcyclist does not have that level of protection.

A slight tap from a car to the back of a motorcycle can send that bike spinning, and that can mean a spill for the cyclist. There are also no restraints like a seat belt or airbags for a motorcyclist. If the motorcyclist is wearing protective clothing, they might be able to roll out and suffer just a bad case of road rash. They could also experience broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Reduced Braking Power

A functioning car will have four brakes: two in the front and two in the back. A motorcycle only has the front and rear brakes. That limits the cyclist’s braking power and can lead to them spinning out. That limiting braking power can also toss the cyclist off the bike, causing even more injuries.

Limited Control Over the Motorcycle

Another reason why motorcycle accidents can be more dangerous than a car accident is the limited control the cyclist has over their ride. A motorcycle’s steering capabilities are not as wide as a car’s steering radius. That can compromise the motorcycle’s ability to navigate around obstacles in the road without losing control of the bike. This goes back to the issue of physics. A two-wheel vehicle is inherently going to be wobblier.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to the same causes of accidents as car drivers. Those causes include the following:

• Alcohol and Drug Use
• Speed
• Inexperience and Inattention
• Mechanical Problems
• Poor Weather
• Roadway Conditions
• Left Turns
• Distracted Drivers

Determining Liability

It is also important to note that even though a motorcyclist is more vulnerable to injuries in an accident, they are not always absolved of being at fault. A motorcyclist who is lane splitting or changing lanes without signaling could be liable for the accident. Determining liability is one of the reasons why you need to hire an experienced Reno motorcycle accident attorney like the team at the Law Offices of Matthew Sharp.

We have helped motorcyclists and car drivers sort out what happened in an accident. We also apply our negotiating skills to help our clients receive the maximum benefits. Whether you are a rider or a driver, we want to hear from you.