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At What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen? | Everything People Should Know

Writer's picture: Robert SchuergerRobert Schuerger

According to research concluded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the 1980s showed that the median speed in approximately 900 motorcycle accidents was only 29.8 mph.

This may surprise many people who assume that most motorcycle accidents happen at high speeds.


While the average speed of motorcycle accidents may be lower than expected, the fact remains that motorcycle accidents occur with alarming frequency, and the consequences can be devastating.


Most motorcycle accidents happen due to careless or reckless driving by automobile drivers and the lack of visibility of the vehicles on the road.


On top of that, motorcycle accident-related deaths can have a variety of other factors, such as lack of protective gear, inexperienced riders, and hazardous road conditions.


Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?


The average speed of motorcycle crashes tends to be higher than that of other motor vehicle accidents.

This is because bikes are more likely to be involved in crashes due to factors such as difficulty in maneuvering, visibility, and overall stability. Additionally, motorcycle riders lack the protection of a car or truck, which leaves them vulnerable to serious injuries or death in the event of an accident.


Despite the relatively low speeds, motorcycle accidents are still dangerous and can result in fatalities.

In fact, 80% of all motorcycle accident-related deaths involve head injuries. This is why it is so important for riders to wear strong, durable helmets at all times.


Motorcycle riders involved in crashes should immediately seek the advice of an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney or a personal injury attorney. These professionals can help them understand their rights and the legal options available to them.


However, most fatal motorcycle accidents happen because of third parties, such as larger vehicles or jaywalkers. Some of the most common motorcycle accidents and reasons why they happen include the following:

  • The driver fails to indicate lane changes or turns correctly.

  • Larger vehicles try to overtake smaller bikes on a busy highway.

  • An automobilist misjudges the approximate distance between their car and the vehicle involved.

  • Careless driving behaviors, such as distracted driving or texting while operating a large vehicle.

  • Dosing off after driving long hours without taking breaks.

Most motorcyclists are cautious and safe on the road. However, not all motorists are careful and considerate of others.


Careless or reckless driving can increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident. It's essential for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and watch out for bikers.


Claiming Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident


Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a substantial financial burden, with the potential loss of income due to reduced mobility as a partial or fully injured victim. This is where claiming compensation can help.


Victims dealing with insurance companies or stubborn defendants can have a challenging and complicated process, especially when it comes to getting maximum compensation for their injuries.


Recovering reimbursement can become even more challenging when the defendant argues that the plaintiff is at fault, thus reducing the amount.


In Texas, the legal system follows a modified comparative fault system where the percentage of responsibility is assigned in case of an accident.


If the plaintiff is at fault for 50% or more of the crash, they cannot recover any reimbursement. However, if they are less than 50% at fault, they can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.


Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries


Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries, disability, and even death. When a motorcycle accident happens, victims can sustain a wide range of injuries, from broken bones, slashes, and burns, to cuts, bruises, and even brain damage.


Sadly, they often suffer long-term or permanent harm and a considerable financial burden due to towering medical bills.


In such cases, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in recovering maximum compensation for the injured victim.


As a motorcyclist, the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with riding is unmatched by any other vehicle. However, riding a bike can also be quite risky, and motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence.


Injuries from such accidents can be catastrophic, leaving victims with a long road to recovery. Some of the most common injuries are:

  • Broken Bones

One of the most frequent injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents is broken bones. Bikers have a higher risk of fractures because they lack the protection of a vehicle.


They may suffer from broken arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or other bones. The severity of the break can range from a hairline fracture to a compound fracture that completely pierces the skin.


Broken bones can take weeks or months to heal, causing significant pain and interfering with daily activities.

  • Brain Injuries

Concussions, brain damage, or traumatic brain injury can happen due to the sudden impact of the head on the ground, a vehicle, or other objects.


Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may include nausea, headaches, memory loss, and dizziness. These injuries can need several weeks of medical treatment and, in severe cases, lead to permanent disability or full-body paralysis.

  • Cuts, Bruises, and Burns

In addition to broken bones and brain injuries, riders may suffer from cuts, bruises, and burns.

Slashes from debris, gravel, and broken glass on the road surface can result in severe wounds, while bruises and burns might be due to contact with hot vehicle parts, such as the engine or exhaust.


These injuries may not seem as severe, but they can still cause significant financial hardship due to medical expenses and loss of income.

  • Death

Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. Catastrophic injuries can leave families devastated and struggling to cope with medical bills, burial expenses, and lost wages.


However, direct family members suffering from the loss of a loved one due to a typical motorcycle accident can recover compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company.


Motorcycle crashes rarely involve just the biker - such incidents usually include multiple vehicles at once.

As a result, qualified personal injury lawyers can legally help the victims' families and represent the plaintiffs' case in court - eventually fighting for maximum compensation from the defendant and their insurance institute.


Seeking Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Seeking Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer


Multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen all too often, and unfortunately, they can be particularly devastating for the motorcycle rider involved.


"What if the motorcycle accident happened due to someone else's negligent driving?" - This is a common question many plaintiffs have.


Most motorcycle accidents happen due to negligence on the part of other drivers, whether it be failing to yield the right of way, distracted driving, or failing to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes.


This is where lawyers can help. Legal professionals are well-versed in the laws surrounding motorcycle crashes and can help victims navigate the complexities of the legal system to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.


Deadly road accidents, such as head-on collisions and crashes that occur at high speeds, can leave bikers with catastrophic injuries, making it impossible for them to return to work, resulting in a lifetime of medical care and lost wages, as well as other expenses.


However, a motorbike accident lawyer can help secure financial relief to aid in paying for the medical costs, lost income, and other expenses associated with recovering from a bike accident.

  1. Thorough Investigation

One of the key ways a motorcycle crash lawyer can help is by investigating the details of the crash and gathering evidence to support the case. This can include taking photos of the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened.

  1. Estimate Compensation

Calculating the amount of reimbursement the victim deserves can be complex. However, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help assess the financial burden the plaintiff has incurred as a result of their accident and estimate the compensation they may receive.


Final Words


Despite efforts to control and regulate traffic on roads, most motorcycle accidents happen due to other drivers who fail to observe traffic laws and speed limits. Motorcycles are typically seen as a road hazard, and other drivers often fail to take the necessary precautions to prevent collisions. Schuerger Shunnarah can provide insight to questions like, "What are the odds of surviving a motorcycle accident?"


This poses a significant risk to motorcycle drivers, who are injured or killed in these crashes. Professional and expert motorcycle accident lawyers can work tirelessly to build a strong case on the victim's behalf.

They are committed to ensuring that plaintiffs and the families of injured riders are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.


However, dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting and frustrating experience. These agencies have a vested interest in minimizing the amount of reimbursement they pay to victims, and they will do everything in their power to reduce their financial burden.


An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the details of the case, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate on the victims' behalf. Plaintiffs can also take advantage of free case evaluation sessions where they can directly talk to a qualified attorney without committing.


With "We Go to War for You" as its official motto, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys works tirelessly on behalf of the plaintiff, ensuring that they receive the support and compensation they need to move forward in life.

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