The freedom of riding a motorcycle on the open road is an unmatched experience, but the statistics surrounding motorcycle accidents reveal a harsh reality about the risks involved. The numbers consistently show that motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to serious injury and death than occupants of other vehicles, and after a crash, injured riders often face an uphill battle against insurance companies and unfair stereotypes.
These motorcycle accident statistics highlight the importance of having a dedicated legal advocate on your side. An experienced Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights, help gather crucial evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways for Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- National and state-level motorcycle accident statistics indicate a disproportionately high rate of severe injuries and fatalities for motorcyclists compared to those in enclosed passenger cars.
- The legal landscape for an accident claim varies significantly by state, with major differences between fault-based systems like Wisconsin's and no-fault systems like Minnesota's.
- Rules of comparative negligence, which are used in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, can reduce an injured rider's compensation based on their assigned percentage of fault for the crash.
- Insurance companies may leverage common biases against motorcyclists, often unfairly assuming recklessness, in an attempt to deny or lower the value of a claim.
- Strict deadlines, such as statutes of limitations, exist for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and these deadlines differ from state to state.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
When you look at the data, the picture becomes clear: motorcyclists bear an enormous amount of risk on our nation's roads. The numbers are not just figures on a page; they represent real people and families whose lives are turned upside down in an instant.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic fatalities. In a recent year, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. The data further shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 5 times more likely to be injured.
According to the National Safety Council’s most recent Injury Facts, fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 1% since the previous year, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 19%. The fatality rate increase resulted from a 15% decrease in miles driven. Over the last decade, deaths have increased 38%, while death rates have increased 36%.
Additionally, compared to the previous year, the number of nonfatal injuries increased by 0.6%, while the injury rate increased by 19%.
The majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred:
- In good weather (94%)
- On urban roads (64%)
- When wearing helmets (62%)
- In crashes involving two vehicles (56%)
- During daytime (49%)
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were not under the influence of alcohol.
This data underscores a critical truth: even the most careful and defensive rider is at the mercy of the drivers and road conditions around them.
State-Specific Motorcycle Accident Stats
While the nationwide statistics are sobering, the data becomes even more personal when we look closer to home. In Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, thousands of riders share the road, and the risks they face are reflected in state-specific reports.
Here is a recent breakdown of motorcycle accident data for the states we serve:
- 1,949 motorcycle crashes
- 100 fatalities
- 1,603 injuries
- 574 serious injuries
- 1042 motorcycle crashes
- 67 fatalities
- 928 injuries
- 290 serious injuries
- 195 motorcycle crashes
- 16 fatalities
- 158 injuries
- 60 crashes
- 62 fatalities
These figures aren't just numbers; they represent preventable tragedies affecting families and communities from Eau Claire to Des Moines and everywhere in between.
Why a Motorcycle Accident Claim Is Different
After a crash, an injured motorcyclist’s journey is often far more complicated than that of someone injured in a collision between two cars. This is due to a combination of severe injuries and an unfair, pervasive bias against riders.
Insurance adjusters, and sometimes even law enforcement or jury members, may carry a preconceived notion that motorcyclists are inherently risk-takers. They might unfairly assume you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or otherwise riding recklessly, even when all the evidence points to the other driver being completely at fault. This bias can be used by insurance companies as leverage to offer a smaller settlement or deny your claim altogether.
Furthermore, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are frequently catastrophic. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts, a rider’s body takes the full impact of the collision. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even when a helmet is worn
- Spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis
- Severe road rash, which can cause permanent scarring and require skin grafts
- Multiple broken bones and internal injuries
These injuries require extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and may result in permanent disability. The financial toll can be overwhelming, and this is precisely why having an advocate can be so important.
Navigating the Legal Maze Across the Midwest
The laws governing personal injury claims can be complex, and they change the moment you cross a state line. An accident in Hudson, Wisconsin, is treated very differently from one just across the St. Croix River in Minnesota. Understanding these differences is crucial for protecting your rights.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin operates under a traditional fault-based (or tort) system. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. After a crash, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company.
In Wisconsin, you are also permitted to name the insurance company as a defendant in a lawsuit directly. The statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit, is generally three years from the date of the injury, according to Wisconsin Statutes section 893.54.
Minnesota
Minnesota is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, which means that for most drivers, your own insurance is the first source of compensation after a crash. If you are in a car, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is used to pay for your initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, this no-fault system does not automatically apply to motorcyclists. Standard motorcycle insurance policies in Minnesota do not include PIP coverage, and the PIP from your personal auto policy will not cover you while on your motorcycle. Therefore, an injured motorcyclist must typically pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver to recover damages.
The general statute of limitations in Minnesota is six years from the date of the injury under Minnesota Statutes section 541.05. However, it's important to note that claims for underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits may have a shorter timeframe.
North Dakota & Iowa
North Dakota also has a six-year statute of limitations for general personal injury claims. While it is a no-fault state, it has a unique provision allowing motorcyclists to purchase optional PIP coverage, which is not available in many other states. Iowa functions as a fault-based state, similar to Wisconsin. It has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Your State
All four states—Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa—use a system called comparative negligence. In simple terms, this rule allows for blame to be shared between the parties involved in an accident. A court will assign a percentage of fault to each person.
Here’s how it works:
- Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your final award will be reduced by 20% (or $20,000) to $80,000.
- In Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, you can recover damages as long as your fault is not greater than the fault of the other party (50% or less). If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
- North Dakota follows a slightly different rule, but the plaintiff must be less than 50% at fault in order to collect anything from the defendant. If the plaintiff is found to be 50% or more at fault, they get nothing.
Insurance companies are experts at using comparative negligence to their advantage. They will look for any reason to shift blame onto you—arguing you were going slightly over the speed limit, didn't signal properly, or should have reacted faster—all in an effort to reduce the amount they have to pay. A skilled attorney can build a strong case to counter these tactics and fight to minimize any percentage of fault assigned to you.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Fights for You
After a motorcycle accident, trying to heal from your injuries while simultaneously dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters is an overwhelming task. A motorcycle accident attorney steps in to lift that burden from your shoulders and level the playing field. Their job is to manage every aspect of your legal claim so you can focus on your recovery.
A dedicated legal team can immediately get to work on your behalf by:
- Conducting a full and independent investigation into the crash to gather crucial evidence like police reports, photos of the scene, and witness statements.
- Hiring accident reconstruction professionals, if necessary, to scientifically prove how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Identifying and calculating the full value of your damages, including current and future medical bills, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and the non-economic costs of pain and suffering.
- Handling all phone calls, paperwork, and negotiations with the insurance companies involved.
This comprehensive approach is designed to build the strongest case possible, and it is most effective when you contact us as soon as possible after an injury. Your attorney acts as your shield and your advocate, protecting you from the tactics insurance companies use to pressure you into a quick, lowball settlement.
Their work on your behalf includes:
- Aggressively negotiating for a settlement that fairly and fully compensates you for all of your losses.
- Challenging any attempts by the insurance company to unfairly blame you for the accident.
- Filing a lawsuit and preparing your case for trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair resolution.
By taking on these complex legal and administrative tasks, a lawyer allows you and your family the space and peace of mind needed to move forward after a traumatic event.
FAQs: Motorcycle Accident Statistics: Why You Need Legal Representation
Here are answers to some common questions that arise after a motorcycle crash.
What if the driver who hit me has no insurance or not enough insurance?
This is a very common and stressful situation. Your own motorcycle insurance policy may include Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. While this is a critical safety net, the legal requirement for motorcyclists to carry it varies by state. UM coverage can provide compensation if the at-fault driver has no insurance, while UIM coverage can apply if the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages. Navigating these claims can be complicated, and an attorney can help you pursue all available sources of recovery.
Does it hurt my case if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
This depends on the state and the specifics of your case. While states have different helmet laws, not wearing one does not give another driver a license to be negligent. The other driver is still responsible for causing the crash. However, the insurance company may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries under the theory of comparative negligence. An attorney can help fight to show that the crash itself, not the lack of a helmet, was the primary cause of your harm.
The other driver’s insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
You should be extremely cautious about accepting an early settlement offer. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their initial offers are often calculated to be the lowest amount they think you might accept. These offers rarely account for the full long-term costs of your injuries, such as future medical procedures, ongoing therapy, or lost earning potential. Once you accept a settlement, you lose the right to seek any further compensation. It is always wise to discuss any offer with an attorney before signing anything.
Injured? Get Nicolet.
The statistics surrounding motorcycle accidents are daunting, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. You do not have to walk it alone. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we were born and raised in the Midwest. We understand the communities we serve and are dedicated to helping our injured neighbors in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa.
We know that insurance companies often try to take advantage of injured riders. We are here to fight back. Our team will handle the legal complexities of your case, stand up to the insurance adjusters, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win for you. We also offer a free case evaluation to answer your questions and explain your options.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Nicolet Law today at 1-855-NICOLET or through our online form. Let us take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
An experienced Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.