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For many motorcyclists, there is nothing more alluring than the call of the open road. Nothing sparks the imagination more than thoughts of a ride on a beautiful June day on a gently curving road. Unfortunately, as we can see from the news, far too often, motorcyclists end up with life changing injuries. In one incident in Livingston County, Illinois, a 54-year-old man was killed while riding a motorcycle on Route 66 when somehow he veered off the road and crashed into a culvert (a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad). He was pronounced dead at the scene. In another case, a motorcycle crash occurred on I-80 at milepost 111 in the eastbound lane of traffic. Preliminary investigation indicates the rider, 35, was traveling eastbound with a group of motorcycles. At this time it is unclear as to what caused them to lose control of the bike. The motorcycle went down and traveled more than 300 feet before coming to a rest. He was thrown from his bike and, despite wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.
We’ve compiled some answers to questions we often hear about motorcycle related injuries and accidents.
In a motorcycle accident and have questions? Get answers from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Kryder Law Group.
Why is operating a motorcycle different from driving a car?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles.
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What percentage of motorcycle accidents involve roadway collisions?
Only about 1/4 of motorcycle accidents are single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment.
How many motorcycle accidents are caused by rider error?
In single vehicle accidents, about 2/3 of the accidents are caused by rider error, typically a slide-out and fall due to over-braking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-cornering.
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What is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents?
The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
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What is the most dangerous place for a motorcyclist to ride?
Intersections are the most likely place for a motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right-of-way, and often violating other traffic controls (i.e., changing lanes, running the light or stop sign, etc.).
When do most motorcycle accidents happen?
Most motorcycle accidents occur during a short trip associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment, or recreation, and usually occurs very shortly after the beginning of the trip.
How often do motorcycle accidents involve alcohol?
Almost 1/2 of fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.
Does weather often play a major role in a motorcycle accident?
In 98% of motorcycle accidents, weather does not contribute to the accident.
How many motorcycle fatalities are there in the US every year?
The US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the following statistics involving motorcyclist fatalities between the years 2008-2017:
Motorcyclist Fatalities And Fatality Rates, 2008-2017
| Year | Fatalities | Registered
motorcycles |
Fatality rate per
100,000 registered motorcycles |
Vehicle miles
traveled (millions) |
Fatality rate per
100 million vehicle miles traveled |
| 2008 | 5,312 | 7,752,926 | 68.52 | 20,811 | 25.52 |
| 2009 | 4,469 | 7,929,724 | 56.36 | 20,822 | 21.46 |
| 2010 | 4,518 | 8,009,503 | 56.41 | 18,513 | 24.40 |
| 2011 | 4,630 | 8,437,502 | 54.87 | 18,542 | 24.97 |
| 2012 | 4,986 | 8,454,939 | 58.97 | 21,385 | 23.32 |
| 2013 | 4,692 | 8,404,687 | 55.83 | 20,366 | 23.04 |
| 2014 | 4,594 | 8,417,718 | 54.58 | 19,970 | 23.00 |
| 2015 | 5,029 | 8,600,936 | 58.47 | 19,606 | 25.65 |
| 2016 | 5,337 | 8,679,380 | 61.49 | 20,445 | 26.10 |
| 2017 | 5,172 | 8,715,204 | 59.34 | 20,149 | 25.67 |
How many motorcycle injuries occur in the US every year?
The US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the following statistics involving motorcyclist injuries between the years 2008-2017:
Motorcyclist Injuries and Injury Rates, 2008-2017
| Year | Injuries | Registered
motorcycles |
Injury rate per
100,000 registered motorcycles |
Vehicle miles
traveled (millions) |
Injury rate per
100 million vehicle miles traveled |
| 2008 | 96,000 | 7,752,926 | 1,238 | 20,811 | 461 |
| 2009 | 90,000 | 7,929,724 | 1,130 | 20,822 | 430 |
| 2010 | 82,000 | 8,009,503 | 1,024 | 18,513 | 443 |
| 2011 | 81,000 | 8,437,502 | 965 | 18,542 | 439 |
| 2012 | 93,000 | 8,454,939 | 1,099 | 21,385 | 434 |
| 2013 | 88,000 | 8,404,687 | 1,052 | 20,366 | 434 |
| 2014 | 92,000 | 8,417,718 | 1,088 | 19,970 | 459 |
| 2015 | 88,000 | 8,600,936 | 1,028 | 19,606 | 451 |
| 2016 | 104,000 | 8,679,380 | 1,203 | 20,445 | 511 |
| 2017 | 89,000 | 8,715,204 | 1,018 | 20,149 | 440 |
How can I get help if I’ve been injured while riding a motorcycle?
There are many factors that must be considered when a motorcycle accident occurs. From weather, potential mechanic issues/failure, road conditions, and driver error. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. For a free consultation, feel free to contact us at 312-223-1700.
Call or text (312) 223-1700 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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