Are Motorcycle Accidents Worse than Car Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13 out of every 100,000 cars get involved in a fatal accident, versus 72 per every 100,000 motorcycles. At first glance, motorcycle accidents can be worse than car accidents since drivers are less protected, the motorcycles have less braking power than cars, and there is not a physical barrier between the driver and the pavement as car drivers have.

South Florida and its sunny weather are no strangers to motorcycles. Unfortunately, the state is one of the most dangerous ones for motorcycles, with the latest report by the NHTSA attributing 606 deaths to motorcycle crashes in 2015, increasing about 30 percent since the previous year.

Impactful Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Deaths in motorcycle accidents are 30 percent more common than in car accidents.

• In 2015, motorcycle death in Florida accounted for 11.4 percent of the motorcycle fatalities in the country.
• Motorcycles are only 2 percent of registered vehicles, yet they account for 5 percent of highway fatalities.
• Motorcycle accidents continue to rise; from 2015 to 2016 there was a 5.1 percent increase in motorcycle accidents, in comparison to a 4.7 percent increase for passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents

Motorcycle and car accidents could not be more different from one another. Motorcycle riders are exposed to far more different hazards than car drivers. While a motorcyclist's negligence can be the cause of an accident, other common causes of motorcycle accidents also include:

• Uneven surfaces
• Broken pavement
• Potholes
• Railroad tracks
• Gravel in the roadway
• Slick surfaces

The injuries a motorcyclist are exposed to also differ from those of a car driver. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, several injuries can be sustained:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts
• Facial disfiguration
• Fractured bones, particularly collar bones and pelvises
• Burns
• Tissue damage
• Road rash

All these injuries can lead to severe complications such as paralysis, blood loss, and even permanent disability, not to mention death. The severity of the injuries differ due to obvious reasons: motorcyclist are more exposed to the pavement, they do not have the protection from airbags as motorists do, and if they are over the age of 21, they are not legally required to wear a helmet for protection.

Why Is Florida More Dangerous?

For a motorcyclist, Florida can be more dangerous due to the state’s motorcycle helmet law. Over age 21, Florida helmet law gives riders the option of not wearing a safety helmet or protective gear. In fact, according to AAA, only 1 in 7 motorcyclists in Florida wears a helmet.
Another factor increasing the risk and danger for Florida motorcyclists are the driving practices of other vehicles sharing the road. For example, 68 percent of drivers report not using turn signals. Subsequently, about 42 percent of motorcycle collisions involve cars making left-hand turns.
However, beyond the helmet and protective gear, the number one reason Florida is more dangerous is – its weather. Thanks to the beautiful weather of the sunshine state, motorcyclists are traveling on their bikes more often, and for more miles. Just to put this into context, in 2015 there were 126 injury crashes per 100 million miles traveled by car. In comparison, there were 430 injury crashes per 100 million miles traveled by motorcycles. That’s 29 percent more injury crashes involving a motorcycle.

Motorcycle vs. Car Insurance Claims

Insurances work off risk and cost. In Florida, there are motorcycle and car insurance standards, meaning there are different ways to approach a claim in the case you or someone you know gets involved in an accident. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning motorists are expected to first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for coverage.
According to Florida statute 316.221, if a person over 21 years of age decides not to wear a helmet, they are still legally required to carry $10,000 of medical payment insurance. However, unlike cars, a motorcyclist is not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, but they are required to carry at least $20,000 of total bodily injury and $30,000 single-limit liability protection.
Just trying to navigate the insurance claim process for car accidents is puzzling enough. Now, imagine trying to understand the difference between motorcycle insurance at the same time. Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney in Florida that recognizes the differences between Florida motor vehicle law and motorcycle law, will help you better understand your case and your possible compensation.
Motorcycle accidents have all the elements to be worse than car accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contacting a qualified attorney may be the difference between seeking the compensation you deserve or being left with many medical bills and lost-wages.