Dawn Pinnisi
January 27, 2025
Understanding the risks of motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents is paramount to taking care of the roads. Motorcyclists are in greater jeopardy because they lack the protective equipment that comes with seat belts or airbags. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we represent injured victims with personal injury applications throughout Paramus, New Jersey, and help them receive fair compensation for their injuries in motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents Statistics
The dangers for motorcyclists are extremely high on the road, particularly in the hotter months when there are more riders on the road. Unlike occupants of cars that have many safety features, such as airbags and reinforced vehicle structures, motorcyclists have minimal physical protection against the high vulnerability to severe injury or fatality in a crash.
While both bikers and car drivers should be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents, the culture of strict safety, like wearing helmets and driving defensively, will go a long way in reducing risks and making the roads much safer for all users.
In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, which is the highest number on record since data collection started. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that helmets saved around 1,872 lives in 2017. Major causes of these deaths include alcohol impairment involved in 28 percent of motorcycle deaths, and speeding in 32 percent. These figures point out the dire need for stringent safety measures and responsible riding practices that could help reduce the risks and give better results on the road for motorcyclists.
Are Motorcycle Accidents More Common Than Car Accidents?
Motorcycle collisions are less common than car accidents but can cause far more harm and pose far greater risks for motorcyclists. Based on the latest data from the Insurance Information Institute, the fatality rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2022 was 64.99; the rate for passenger cars was 12.13. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled for motorcycles stood at 26.16, while for cars it was 1.20. These statistics suggest something about the inherent risks of motorcycling relative to car driving and point to the greater danger that faces motorcyclists on the roads.
Which Type of Accident Is More Dangerous?
Because motorcycles lack the high protection features of cars such as seat belts, airbags, or the structural protection that surrounds the passenger vehicles, motorcycle accidents are far more dangerous; this is because a rider is directly exposed to the forces of impact in a motorcycle crash, severe injuries become more probable.
Head injuries are some of the serious types of risks bikers are exposed to. Helmets, however, are very crucial in reducing the chances of trauma to the head and, consequently, death. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives in 2017, but an additional 749 lives could have been saved that year if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. With this protection, bikers remain highly vulnerable to fractures, internal injuries, and other severe outcomes.
What Can You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Paramus?
Motorcycle accidents are the most devastating events that may leave a victim with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens. The right steps after an accident make a big difference in your recovery and any potential legal claims. What to do:
- See a Doctor Immediately: Even if you feel fine, internal trauma or concussions may not be apparent. Immediate medical assessment clears you and documents your injuries for potential future records.
- Report the Accident: If the accident caused injuries or substantial property damage in New Jersey, one must report it. It is worth making sure a police report is on file to have an official record of the incident.
- Get the Evidence: If at all possible, get contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene of the accident, and document all the damages to the vehicles.
- Seek an Attorney: A qualified motorcycle accident lawyer will help you protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Paramus, NJ
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive all the compensation to which you may be entitled. Get a free consultation with experienced attorneys from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. by calling (201) 588-1500 today. Let our attorneys provide guidance and assistance every step of your road to recovery, seeking justice on your behalf.
Dawn M. Pinnisi
Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.
University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School
Bar Number: 33771999
Locations: New Jersey and New York.
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