{"id":353086,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/motorcycle-accidents-overview.html"},"modified":"2025-10-20T16:25:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T21:25:46","slug":"motorcycle-accidents-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/motorcycle-accidents-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits and Settlements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits and Settlements<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries<\/span> due to the minimal protection for riders. This can lead to personal injury<\/span> claims<\/span> and settlements. Understanding your legal rights, the importance of gathering evidence<\/span>, and dealing with insurance companies<\/span> are crucial steps for achieving fair motorcycle accident settlements<\/span>. Common factors that affect settlement amounts<\/span> include medical costs<\/span>, lost wages<\/span>, pain and suffering<\/span>, fault determination, and the impact of state motorcycle accident laws.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Motorcycle riders<\/span> are in a unique position on the road. They enjoy the freedom of moving more freely, but they are also exposed to dangers because of their lack of protective barriers. This leaves them more prone to serious injuries<\/span> in the event of an auto accident<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Motorcycle accidents can result in life-altering consequences. Other than the physical injuries that it may bring, it could also result in mounting medical expenses<\/span>. You might also have to deal with insurance companies<\/span><\/a> that are trying to minimize your insurance claim with a low settlement offer<\/span><\/a>. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal advice<\/span> is often your best option. A car accident<\/span> attorney<\/a> can help you with your case. They can help you understand the complexity of these cases and seek the compensation that you deserve.<\/p>\n

The Risks of the Road for Motorcycle Riders<\/span><\/h2>\n

Motorcycle riders<\/span> face serious risks on the road. In 2023 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<\/a> recorded 6,335 motorcycle fatalities. This number accounts for 15% of all traffic accident deaths that year. Even more concerning is the fact that motorcycle riders<\/span> are 26 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury<\/a>\u00a0in a crash than people riding in a passenger car. These numbers highlight the reality that without protective gear, motorcyclists<\/span> are far more vulnerable on the road compared to other vehicular accident victims<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents<\/h2>\n

Learning about the different types of motorcycle accidents<\/a> can help riders stay more vigilant and reduce the risk of injury. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents and the\u00a0unique problems\u00a0faced by motorcycle riders<\/span> on the road include:<\/p>\n

Lane Splitting Accidents<\/h3>\n

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist<\/span> rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Lane splitting carries extreme risks as drivers on either side may not anticipate motorcycle movements between lanes. This could result in sudden collisions. Only California allows lane splitting. Its state laws define it as driving the motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving traffic in the same lane.<\/p>\n

Arizona, Utah, Montana, Colorado, and Minnesota permit limited lane filtering under specific conditions. Lane filtering occurs when motorcyclists<\/span> move in between stopped or very slow-moving traffic under certain speed and road conditions. Although Arizona<\/a> doesn\u2019t use the term lane filtering, the statute allows two-wheeled motorcycles to drive in between lanes of traffic.<\/p>\n

Even in states that allow lane splitting, riders should exercise extreme caution. They should stay aware of their surrounding traffic and take care not to exceed the speed limit for traffic safety.<\/p>\n

Blind Spot Collisions<\/h3>\n

Due to their smaller profile, motorcycles are more prone to being hidden in other vehicles’ blind spots. This could lead to a dangerous situation where the driver of the bigger vehicle fails to see the\u00a0motorcycle rider<\/span>, particularly during lane changes or merging maneuvers, which could result in a collision.<\/p>\n

To mitigate these risks, motorcyclists<\/span> need to understand their blind spots and avoid staying in them. They should also always use headlights and wear high-visibility clothing. Practicing defensive riding can also contribute to increased safety.<\/p>\n

Visual Recognition and Intersection Collisions<\/h3>\n

In certain instances, such as nighttime or in difficult weather conditions, motorcycles are challenging to spot. They are also harder to spot at intersections, where most biker-versus-vehicle collisions happen. Motorcycles are also prone to left-turn accidents, where a vehicle turning left fails to yield to oncoming traffic.<\/p>\n

Road Hazards<\/h3>\n

Hazards that are minor inconveniences for an automobile can be significant hazards for a motorcycle rider<\/span>. These include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, or other objects on the roadway.\u00a0Uneven pavement, gravel on curves, and railroad crossings can also cause motorcyclists<\/span> to slide and lose control. These types of road conditions pose significant risks to motorcycle riders<\/span>, especially when riding at higher speeds.<\/p>\n

Speed Wobble Accidents<\/h3>\n

At higher speeds, a motorcycle’s front end may become unstable and begin to shake or wobble. Multiple issues may cause the front wheel or handlebars to wobble. Some of these issues include unbalanced or worn tires, improper tire pressure, misaligned wheels, or loose bearings.<\/p>\n

Accidents Caused by Lack of Riding Skills<\/h3>\n

A motorcycle requires much more skill and physical coordination to operate than a car. A rider’s lack of riding skills could cause an accident. If the motorcycle rider<\/span> also lacks experience and fails to understand the vehicle’s operating characteristics and limitations, the risk of an accident increases.<\/p>\n

Drunk Driving Accidents<\/h3>\n

Driving while intoxicated significantly increases the risk of accidents for all motorists<\/span><\/a> on the road. However, motorcyclists<\/span> are particularly vulnerable. According to the data from the\u00a0NHTSA, driving while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance is one of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle crashes<\/span>. Due to a lack of protective barriers, motorcyclists<\/span> involved in accidents with intoxicated drivers often lose their lives or suffer fatal injuries.<\/p>\n

Motorcycle riders<\/span> should exercise increased precaution while driving during times when drunk driving is more prevalent. This includes certain holidays like the Fourth of July, weekends, and late nights.<\/p>\n

Motorcycle Design or Manufacturing Defects<\/h3>\n

Not all motorcycle accidents result from the rider’s error or other drivers’ negligence<\/a>. There are also cases where a defect in the motorcycle caused the crash. These can be design or manufacturing defects.<\/p>\n

Design defects occur when a motorcycle’s design makes it inherently unsafe, causing a higher risk of an accident. A manufacturing defect occurs when something goes wrong during the assembly process. It can also happen if there is a deviation from the intended design, which renders the motorcycle dangerous. Motorcycle recalls often address defective parts, but some riders suffer injuries before a recall occurs.<\/p>\n

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents<\/h2>\n

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe or life-altering injuries because no barrier protects the riders from external forces. The following are some of the injuries that motorcycle riders<\/span> or passengers suffer from:<\/p>\n

Road Rash<\/span> and Skin Lacerations<\/h3>\n

Road rash<\/span> is one of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. This often happens when a rider is thrown from their bike and slides on the road or pavement. The friction causes skin abrasions and lacerations.<\/p>\n

Broken Bones<\/span> and Injuries to the Extremities<\/h3>\n

Motorcycle riders<\/span> often suffer fractures and broken bones<\/span> from accidents. When a rider gets ejected from the motorcycle or pinned beneath it, the impact may cause shattered bones and fractures. Leg injuries are particularly common in motorcycle accidents as the lower extremities often take the force of impact. In most cases, these types of injuries require extensive rehabilitation. It could also prevent the victim from returning to their normal work and routine for extended periods.<\/p>\n

Spinal Cord Injuries<\/h3>\n

Spinal cord injuries are life-altering and can lead to partial or complete paralysis. They happen when there’s trauma to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. Long-term effects may include loss of sensation, movement, pain, or altered bodily functions. These injuries often need extensive medical treatment<\/span> and long-term rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

Traumatic Brain Injuries<\/span> (TBIs) in Motorcycle Accidents<\/h3>\n

TBIs<\/a>\u00a0are among the most serious injuries<\/span> a motorcyclist<\/span> can sustain. Despite helmet use, a crash\u2019s impact can cause the brain to shift within the skull, leading to injury.<\/p>\n

Symptoms include:<\/p>\n