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Motorcycle collisions can happen wherever you go, often leading to devastating physical harm and expensive car repairs.
However, working as a personal injury attorney for the past ten years, I have discovered that motorcycle accidents most commonly occur in specific locations.
Staying extra vigilant in those areas can save your life and keep other road users from harm.
Quick Summary
- Motorcycle accidents happen in high-traffic and fast-speed locations.
- Highways and interstates are especially hazardous roads, as more motorcycle accidents frequently occur on them.
- Acceleration exponentially heightens the risks of any motorcycle crash.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Most motorcycle accidents occur in intersections, two-lane roads, and freeways. Motorcycle riders face an elevated risk when on certain roads, most commonly due to other drivers not noticing them.
If you're a rider, always be aware of your surroundings and never assume that drivers will notice you.
The following locations pose a heightened risk of motor accidents.
Intersections
Intersections are a notorious hotspot for most motorcycle accidents.
The majority of these motorcycle accidents happen due to the following:
- Left-turning cars that turn into an intersection without seeing the oncoming motorcyclist is undoubtedly the most dangerous situation for a motorcycle rider.
- Sideswiping - when two motorists heavily brush against their sides or against another vehicle while driving in the same lane.
- Rear-end accidents at traffic intersections, such as stoplights and stop signs, are an unfortunately common occurrence.
Accidents may occur in all vehicles but are usually fatal for motorcyclists. Rear-end crashes generally do not inflict much damage on other types of automobiles; however, the repercussions for a motorcycle rider who is rear-ended by a car or truck can be devastating, even at slow speeds.
It is widely known that motorcycles do not offer the same defensive shield as bulkier automobiles, thus putting their riders at a higher risk of serious injuries and damages in case of an accident.
Freeways
Highways and interstates are frequent spots for motorcycle accidents; most of these accidents occur from:
- Drivers merge into lanes without glancing for bicyclists, creating a dangerous road situation.
- Motorcyclists are at risk of being involved in a crash when hazardous debris, including garbage, tires, and cargo from trucks, is present on the roadway.
- Unsafe or dangerously wet roads can make motorcycle riding perilous, causing hazardous road conditions.
Motorcycle crashes occur more frequently in certain areas because of the high traffic and speed limits. Speeding amplifies the danger associated with any car accident, increasing its potential to be fatal for bikers especially.
Traveling on an interstate or freeway can be risky for a motorcyclist. If a driver suddenly changes lanes without checking first, it could lead to fatal motorcycle accidents.
Also Read: Motorcycle Crash Compensations
Two-Lane Roads
One of the most common locations where motorcycle accidents happen is on two-lane highways. Other roads also pose a greater risk to motorists due to their proximity to oncoming traffic.
Without vigilance from all drivers, someone can unintentionally drift into the wrong lane of travel and be involved in an accident - especially when motorcycles are present.
Two-lane roads can be particularly hazardous for all drivers, yet they are especially dangerous and even fatal at times for motorcyclists due to their susceptibility to head-on collisions.
Urban Areas
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of fatal motorcycle crashes, 60%, occurred within urban areas, while 40% happened in rural settings. This discrepancy could be attributed to several different factors [1].
In particular, urban roads are often more congested than rural roads and can make riding a motorcycle even riskier.
Motorcycle accidents tend to happen because pedestrians and bicyclists in the city may end up causing motorcyclists to have to brake or dodge out of the way suddenly.
Related Articles:
- Major Cause of Death in Motorcycle Accidents
- Most Common Causes of Collision between Cars & Motorcycles
- Fault in Pedestrian vs Motorcycle Accidents
See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits we've taken on.
Other information on motorcycle accidents
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reported that in 2017, motorcyclists experienced a staggering fatality rate of 59 deaths per 100,000 motorcycles and an injury rate of 1,018 for every 100,000 bikes.
These statistics show the risks associated with riding a motorcycle [2].
During peak hours, the risk of motorcyclists being involved in fatal motorcycle accidents is especially high; 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and 6 pm to 9 pm on weekends.
Even with protective gear and helmets, riders can still be severely harmed when they collide with another vehicle or an object on the road.
Related Article: Legal Restrictions On Child Passengers
"Even when a motorcyclist is wearing the recommended protective gear and helmet, they can suffer serious injuries from a collision with another vehicle or an object"
- John Foy, Personal Injury Attorney
FAQs
What Is The Most Common Motorcycle Accident?
The most common motorcycle accident is when an automobile turns left in front of you, accounting for 42% of motorcycle crashes.
Where Do Motorcyclists Tend To Collide Often With Other Vehicles?
Motorcyclists tend to collide often with other vehicles at intersections. Unfortunately, at intersections, motorcyclists are usually victims of reckless drivers of passenger vehicles who turn left without taking notice of the oncoming bike.
Who Is At Fault In Most Motorcycle Accidents?
The person at fault in most motorcycle accidents is the driver of the other vehicle. An alarming 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities involve more than one vehicle, with the driver usually at fault for causing these devastating crashes.
What Is the Biggest Reason Behind Motorcycle Accidents?
The biggest reason behind motorcycle accidents is reckless driving, speeding, and alcohol use. Recklessness is the common denominator for many motorcycle accidents. As a result, liability will inevitably be assigned to whoever acted with carelessness.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault, it's time to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer and seek compensation.
You may need advice about your potential legal options as you try to cope with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and loss. Getting the answers to your questions may allow you to make the decisions about your claim that are right for you and your family.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP to discuss your case with a qualified motorcycle injury attorney in a free consultation. With our experience in motor vehicle crashes, we can protect your rights and get you fair compensation for your injury-related expenses.
References:
- https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812785
- https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes