Motorcycle accidents vs car accidents

• Michael Burry
• Jun 19, 2025

Motorcycles are at a greater risk of accidents than cars, causing more severe injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13 out of 100,000 cars have been involved in a serious crash, compared to 72 out of 100,000 motorcycles.

Car and motorcycle crashes occur daily on roads across the country. Unfortunately, some of those accidents end in tragedy for drivers or riders. Therefore, safety comes first, and the best way to stay safe is to know how accidents occur. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars and pose more severe risks. Because riders lack steel frames, their injuries are often much worse than those suffered by people inside a vehicle.

Comparing Motorcycle vs Car Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycles crash fatally at a shocking rate, twenty-two times that of passenger cars. Such an alarming number worries safety professionals and police officers alike, all of whom are trying to make our roads safer. 

Motorcycle Accident Statistics And Trends

In the future, motorcycle accident statistics will reflect both progress and existing issues for 2025. Based on the data given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are one of the most affected parties in traffic-related accidents. In 2022 alone, the number of motorcycle-related deaths came to 6,218, which is nearly 15 percent of the overall fatalities in the given year.

• Some motorcyclists are more than often distracted by speeding, alcohol, or even driving while intoxicated. As for the NHTSA data, around 35 percent of the motorcyclists who participated in fatal accidents during 2022 were without a license. 

• Critical injuries and fatalities continue to decline due to proactive measures, particularly the extensive use of helmets by motorcyclists. 

• The data provided by NHTSA showed that the usage of helmets prevents over 37 percent of lethal injuries to motorcyclists and over 41 percent of deaths for passengers. 

• The findings conclude that taking necessary actions, such as wearing appropriate protective clothing as well as obeying traffic regulations, will boost the safety for everyone on the road.

Car Accident Statistics And Trends

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that the number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2022 was 42,514. Traffic fatalities in California had the highest number in the U.S. in 2022, where 4,428 people died on the road. Drunk driving accounts for approximately one-third of traffic deaths in the United States. South Carolina and Rhode Island have the highest numbers of alcohol-related traffic fatalities out of all U.S. states. Speeding causes about a third of traffic fatalities in the U.S.

• American seat belt use rates have improved dramatically over the years, with over 90 percent of citizens wearing them in 2023. Seatbelts are one of the most essential safety devices, and happily, that's the case. 

• Along with this, in 2022, 5.69 million accidents were reported, which contained varying levels of damage, ranging from minor property damage due to rear-end collisions to fatal obliterating collisions. 

• The number grew throughout the years, in 2016 reaching over 6.82 million. This statistic highlights the vast complexities of a wide range of issues concerning road safety.

• The number of accidents in 2020 dropped to 5.25 million, possibly because people were not traveling as much due to global happenings.

• Car accidents went back up to around 6.10 million in 2021 and stayed around that range through 2023, which saw 6.14 million accidents recorded. Six percent of survivors from passenger vehicle collisions wore seatbelts.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. However, most car wrecks may occur due to preventable behaviors and conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand common causes that can help drivers stay safe on the road. Some common causes are as follows:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Driving Under the Influence
• Reckless Driving
• Weather Conditions

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are caused due to unique factors that are different from those of car accidents. While both accidents may result from driver error and environmental conditions, the dynamics of riding a motorcycle pose different challenges. Causes of motorcycle accidents are as follows:

• Lack of Visibility
• Lane Splitting
• Over-Braking or Under-Braking
• Instability at Low Speeds
• Improper Cornering

Common Car and Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists always sustain more serious injuries compared to those driving a car and its occupants. Sometimes, the human body may not sustain the brutal forces after a motorcycle crash or a car collision. 

The bikers get thrown off their bikes and sustain injuries. In such severe cases, the accident victims may get help from an experienced car accident lawyer or a motorcycle crash attorney. They may guide you on how to proceed after you are. 

You may feel hurt and confused after sustaining the most severe injuries from a car accident. Common Motorcycle And Car Accident Injuries Include

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Severe fractures
• Biker’s arm, where nerves are permanently damaged
• Disfigurement
• Amputation
• Crushing injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Back injuries
• Burns
• Road rash

Major Differences Between Car and Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle and car accidents have some critical differences in the nature and severity of the accidents. There are several reasons why motorcycle accidents are more likely to be serious than car accidents.

• The severity of injuries: Motorcycle accidents are generally more severe than car accidents due to the lack of protection for the rider. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries and fatalities in accidents, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

• Accident Causes: Motorcycle accidents are more likely to be caused by the actions of the motorcycle rider, such as speeding, lane-splitting, or failure to wear proper protective gear. On the other hand, car accidents are more likely to be caused by other factors such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless driving.

• Frequency: Car accidents are more frequent than motorcycle accidents, as more cars are on the road than motorcycles.

• Fatality Rates: Although motorcycle accidents are less frequent than car accidents, they are responsible for more fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars.

Legal Considerations in Motorcycle and Car Accidents

Motorcycle and car crashes can cause complex legal fights. The legal battle involves determining who caused the accident and how victims can receive compensation for their injuries and damages.

Determining Fault

To determine fault, you need to prove the following:

• Police reports: Police authorities often visit the accident scene, collect evidence, and later file a report that suggests the driver did not follow the rules.

• Witness statements: Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who witnessed the car accident can explain what they saw before, during, and right after the impact.

• Traffic laws: Clear-cut violations, such as running a red light or following too closely, may often suggest who is responsible for the accident.

Insurance Coverage

Once the fault is clear, insurance steps in to pay victims, but the payout will be based on the amount of coverage the drivers bought.

• Liability insurance: Nearly every state forces motorists to carry this policy, which provides it when the insured party causes damage to someone else.

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: The motorist coverage protects drivers when they are involved in an accident. 

Motorcycle Accident Safety Tips

As a motorcycle enthusiast, you know the importance of safety on the road. But accidents can happen, even to the most careful riders. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, you will need the services of a lawyer to help you through the legal process. Some other tips to avoid motorcycle accidents include

• Wearing the proper safety gear, including a helmet that meets DOT standards

• Being visible by wearing bright clothing and using your headlights

• Obeying all traffic laws and posted speed limits

• Avoiding distractions while riding, such as cell phones or other electronic devices

• Inspecting your motorcycle before each ride to ensure everything is in working order

Car Accident Safety Tips

If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury. There are many steps you can take to avoid car accidents. Here are some tips to avoid car accidents:

• Follow traffic laws and signals: Adhere to speed limits, stop at red lights and stop signs, and obey other traffic signals and signs.

• Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This will give you more time to react in case of sudden stops or other emergencies.

• Pay attention to the road: Avoid texting, eating, or using your phone while driving. Keep your focus on the road ahead of you.

• Check your blind spots: Always check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging onto a highway.

• Adjust to weather conditions: Be aware of changing weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. Slow down in rain, snow, or ice.

• Keep your vehicle in good condition: Regularly maintain it to ensure it is in good working order. Check the brakes, tires, lights, and wipers regularly.

• Wear your seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers in the vehicle do the same.

• Avoid driving under the influence: Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Be cautious at intersections: Intersections are common for accidents, so be cautious when approaching them.

By following these tips and driving responsibly, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident.

How Can a Lawyer Help You?

Both motorcycle and car accidents can be dangerous and result in serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it’s important for all drivers, whether operating a motorcycle or a car, to drive safely and responsibly to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer may help you file a car or motorcycle accident claim and represent your interests in court.