Where Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Occur?

Understanding motorcycle accidents can help prevent them in the future. For this reason, much research has been dedicated to finding out their common causes, which include distracted driving, DUI, and poor road or weather conditions.

Just as important as what causes motorcycle crashes is this question: “Where do most motorcycle crashes occur?” By knowing the accident hotspots for motorcycles, it is possible to exercise extra care when there is an increased risk of crashing.

Climate Influences

As you would imagine, the climate has a significant impact on the question, “Where do most motorcycle crashes occur?” Essentially, states with colder climates have fewer overall motorcycle accidents than states that are warmer. More heat means a longer riding season for motorcyclists. 

Reviewing data from a QuoteWizard treatment of National Highway Transportation Safety Board (NHTSA) statistics, you can see that motorcycle crashes are concentrated in southern states, geographically speaking. The top ten states for motorcycle fatalities, according to NHTSA data, are: 

  • Louisiana
  • South Carolina
  • Mississippi
  • Texas
  • North Carolina
  • Arizona 
  • Florida
  • New Mexico
  • Missouri

The five states at the bottom of the list are Iowa, Alaska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Occur?

No matter which state you look at, NHTSA data demonstrate that motorcycle accidents tend to occur at the same types of locations on roadways. 

Urban Intersections

Intersections can be perilous for motorcyclists and motorists alike. Multiple drivers must obey the myriad of traffic laws governing intersections for everyone to proceed safely. Unfortunately, mistakes occur. Common causes of motorcycle crashes at intersections include:

  • Driver making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle
  • Driver clipping a motorcyclist making a left turn
  • Driver rear-ending a motorcyclist

These causes also lead to accidents between automobiles. However, accidents at intersections involving cars are usually less injurious than those affecting motorcyclists. 

Freeways

One of the main reasons freeways are frequent locations of accidents is speed. The faster cars go, the slower their reaction time. Additionally, motorcyclists often end up in the blind spots of motorists attempting to change lanes and are struck during the maneuver. 

Distracted driving also causes motorcycle crashes, frequently resulting in rear-end collisions.

As stated, the circumstances surrounding motorcycle crashes make them more dangerous. A fender bender or a side swipe by a car changing into an occupied lane may do nothing more to motorists than cost them hundreds to thousands of dollars. But motorcyclists involved in the same types of accidents may suffer catastrophic injuries or death.

Two-Lane Roadways

The proximity of oncoming traffic makes two-lane roadways dangerous for all forms of transportation, especially motorcycles. The risk of a head-on collision is higher for motorcycles on two-lane roadways than on highways, as drivers sometimes drive over the line when passing other vehicles or while going around blind curves. Rear-end collisions are also of particular concern.

What Recourse Do I Have If I am Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents create major expenses for motorcyclists and cause them to miss work. The impact on a victim’s financial health can be staggering. Fortunately, whoever caused your accident can be compelled to pay for the damages you incur, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Palliative care
  • Rehabilitation

A personal injury attorney will be instrumental in helping you get a compensation award that accurately reflects the damages you have sustained. 

After an accident, insurance companies will be working to determine how much fault the driver and motorcyclist had in the crash. In California, motorcyclists who are partially at fault for an injury accident may still recover compensation from a second motorist if that motorist was also partially at fault, even if the victim is over 50% to blame.

It is in the best interests of an insurance company representing a partially at-fault driver to find evidence of fault on the victim’s part. The more fault the injured party has, the less compensation they will receive. For this reason, having an attorney deal with insurance companies helps protect you from fishing expeditions by claims adjusters. 

Speaking with an experienced injury attorney is your first step in claiming the compensation you need to help repair your health and life. For a free consultation, contact an advocate who will fight for you.

Since 1992, our personal injury attorneys at the Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC. have been fighting for the people of San Diego. Now, when those injured in automobile accidents – including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents – need financial help, or for the families that need to know that the loss of a loved one could have been prevented, there is a personal injury law firm in San Diego that is on their side. If you or a family member has been injured, call the lawyers at Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC. There’s never been a better time than right now to speak to a personal injury attorney—FREE of charge. Call us at 858-551-2090 or request a free consultation online today!