What Is the Primary Cause of Motorcycle Crashes?

Motorcycle crashes, although preventable most of the time, have disastrous outcomes for motorcyclists. With less bodily protection than cars, motorcyclists are subjected to the mercy of whichever error is committed on the highway. So, what is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? The primary cause of motorcycle crashes should be well understood because it helps improve safety and build stronger legal cases.

Motorcycle Statistics

Motorcycle crashes are alarmingly common, and the statistics underscore the risks that riders face daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Moreover, motorcycles account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States despite representing only 3% of all registered vehicles. In New Mexico, where open roads and scenic routes attract riders, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by distracted drivers and poor roadway conditions. Research has shown that intersections are especially dangerous, as other motorists often fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. These startling figures highlight the importance of understanding the causes of motorcycle crashes to help prevent them.

What Is the Primary Cause of Motorcycle Crashes?

The primary cause is the failure of other drivers to notice motorcycles on the road. This is often referred to as “Looked But Failed to See” or LBFTS errors. Drivers of passenger vehicles frequently fail to recognize the smaller size of motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance, resulting in dangerous collisions. According to The Federal Highway Administration’s Motorcycle Crash Causation Study, nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle occur because the car or truck driver did not see the motorcycle in time.

These errors often occur in situations like:

• Left-turn collisions at intersections: When drivers turn left without yielding to oncoming motorcycles.
• Blind spot collisions: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot in a vehicle’s side mirrors, leading to accidents during lane changes.
• Rear-end crashes: Drivers may not anticipate how quickly motorcycles can decelerate, causing rear-end accidents. Ultimately, driver inattention and failure to properly scan the road for bikes are the most common reasons for these devastating crashes.

Types of Motorcycle Crashes

There are various scenarios in which motorcycle accidents occur, but they tend to fall into a few common categories:

Head-on Collisions

These are among the deadliest types of motorcycle crashes, where a car collides with a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction. The lack of a barrier around motorcyclists typically results in severe injury or fatality.

Left-turn Accidents

This occurs when a left-turning vehicle fails to notice an approaching motorcycle, typically at an intersection. It’s a prevalent type of accident caused by a driver’s failure to yield the right of way or to underestimate the motorcycle’s speed.

Lane-sharing Collisions

Motorcycles will share lanes with cars during heavy traffic. Lane splitting is legal in some states, but it’s still possible for accidents to happen if the other driver isn’t aware of the proximity of the motorcycle.

Single-vehicle Crashes

Not all motorcycle accidents involve another driver and not all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Road hazards such as unseen debris, potholes, or slick pavement can result in loss of control and serious crashes.

Knowledge of such types of crashes focuses on proper driving habits, good road conditions, and protective laws.

Other Common Causes of Crashes

While the failure of drivers to notice motorcycles is the leading cause of crashes, several other factors also contribute to the high number of motorcycle accidents in New Mexico. These include:

Speeding

Excessive speed remains a significant cause of motorcycle crashes, both for motorcyclists and other vehicle operators. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries during a collision. Studies show that high-speed accidents are more likely to result in fatalities due to the lack of protection for riders.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem nationwide. Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-vehicle controls divert a driver’s attention from the road. Unfortunately, motorcycles are often the victims of these distractions, as their smaller size makes them more likely to be overlooked by drivers focused on something other than the road.

Roadway Hazards

Hazardous road conditions are another common contributor to motorcycle crashes. Potholes, debris, wet pavement, and uneven surfaces can cause motorcyclists to lose control. While beautiful, New Mexico’s rural and desert roads can pose significant risks due to these conditions.

Impairment by Alcohol or Drugs

Driving under the influence is a frequent cause of motorcycle accidents. In fact, alcohol impairment is involved in nearly 30% of all motorcycle crash fatalities. This issue affects not only motorcyclists who ride while intoxicated but also drivers of passenger vehicles who are impaired and unable to react appropriately to motorcycles on the road.

Lane Splitting

Although lane splitting—when motorcycles ride between lanes of slow-moving traffic—is legal in some states, it is not permitted in New Mexico. This practice can increase the likelihood of accidents due to the limited space available between vehicles and the unexpected movements of other drivers. According to Ride Vision, sudden lane changes by other vehicles are one of the top causes of accidents in lane-splitting scenarios.

Typical Injuries from Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle accidents often result in traumatic injuries due to a motorcyclist’s exposure. Common injuries include:

Head Injuries

Motorcyclists are highly likely to suffer from head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI), even while wearing helmets. Although helmets significantly reduce the risk, they cannot eliminate it entirely, and therefore head injury is among the most serious problems in motorcycle accidents.

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal injuries due to motorcycle crashes may result in partial or complete paralysis, resulting in long-term mobility problems for the victims. Injuries may also require costly medical procedures, including surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, which place a heavy financial load on the victims as well as their families.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are often a result of motorcycle accidents, especially high-impact crashes. Riders tend to have broken pelvises, arms, or legs as they are thrown from their motorcycles and suffer painful rehab and potential mobility issues.

Road Rash

Sliding across asphalt after a crash can cause road rash—severe abrasions or burns to the skin. In serious cases, this can result in extensive scarring, secondary infection, or the need for skin grafts, rendering proper protective gear critical for bikers.

Internal Injuries

The force of a motorcycle collision can cause serious internal damage, including bleeding or organ injury. These usually fatal injuries need an immediate emergency response and even surgery and thus form part of the most perilous outcomes of motorcycle accidents.

Receiving immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident is crucial in maintaining safety and documenting injuries as part of legal or insurance proceedings.

How Is Liability Established in a Motorcycle Accident?

Determination of liability for a motorcycle accident is crucial to file for compensation or litigation. Some of the entities who may be liable are:

Drivers

Drivers have a duty to remain alert and aware of other motorists, including motorcyclists, at all times. They are held accountable for accidents if they are distracted, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, speed, or disregard traffic regulations.

Vehicle Owners

Even if not the vehicle owner, liability can pass to the vehicle owner in certain situations. This is especially so if the owner knew that he or she was allowing an underage, unlicensed, or otherwise incompetent driver to drive his or her vehicle.

Employers

When a driver in a crash performs a work-related task, such as making deliveries or transporting goods, their employer may share responsibility under “vicarious liability” laws. Employers must screen thoroughly and train drivers to reduce risk, and employees must be required to drive safely while in the scope of employment.

Automakers or Parts Manufacturers

If a crash is caused by the mechanical breakdown of a motorcycle or any other vehicle due to bad parts, the manufacturer of the defective parts is liable.

Government Entities

The automaker or parts manufacturer may be held accountable if a crash occurs due to a mechanical failure caused by defective vehicle parts. Responsible manufacturing and thorough safety testing are essential to prevent accidents caused by faulty brakes, tires, or other critical vehicle components.

Each case requires close examination to consider facts, determine fault, and determine the legally responsible party.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can protect your rights and help build a strong case for compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even minor injuries from a motorcycle crash can worsen over time, so it’s fundamental to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Medical records will also play a vital role in supporting your claim by documenting the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

2. Call the Police

An official police report is a key piece of evidence for your case. When officers arrive at the scene, they’ll record the details of the accident, collect statements from witnesses, and document who was involved. Be sure to ask how you can get a copy of the report for your records.

3. Document the Scene

Accurate documentation of the accident scene can strengthen your case. Take detailed photos or videos of all vehicles involved, road conditions, weather conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Include close-up shots of the damage and wide-angle shots to show the overall scene. Collect the contact information of any witnesses, as their statements may help confirm what happened. If you have a helmet camera or dashcam footage, preserve that evidence—it could be invaluable for proving liability. These details provide the foundation for a solid legal argument and help ensure your rights are protected.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payouts, sometimes by pressuring accident victims to accept a quick settlement. Avoid providing statements or signing any documents before speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. This ensures you don’t unknowingly jeopardize your claim.

5. Contact an Attorney

Motorcycle accidents often result in complex legal claims. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the maximum compensation. At Parnall Law, we have a strong track record of helping motorcyclists recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Call Parnall Law for Experienced Legal Representation

Motorcycle accidents can have life-changing consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Parnall Law, we know the challenges riders face and are committed to protecting your rights. Call us today at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.