Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of jumping on a bike and riding in the elements. Unfortunately, being so out in the open is a problem when you collide with another motor vehicle. At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, we have met with families of motorcyclists who are struggling with some of the most serious injuries imaginable. Even worse, hundreds of people die in motorcycle accidents each year in our state. Contact our firm to speak with a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer. In this article, we look at the best data to determine what percentage of motorcycle accidents are fatal. Schedule your free consultation with our office.
What Percent of Motorcycle Accidents Are Fatal in West Virginia?
State statistics are hard to find, although we do have numbers for previous years. In 2022, for example, 41 people died in motorcycle accidents in West Virginia. That number was up more than 40% from the previous year. In 2023, 39 people died in fatal motorcycle accidents in our state, which is in line with the 2022 numbers.
Nationally, the number of fatal accidents has continued to rise. In 2023, for example, the nation saw 6,242 fatal motorcycle accidents. That number was much higher than in previous years.
What percentage of motorcycle accidents are fatal in West Virginia? It’s hard to say. To arrive at that number, we would need to know the total number of motorcycle accidents and then the number of fatalities. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find the total number of motorcycle accidents in our state, so we cannot estimate what percentage of motorcycle accidents are fatal.
We have national statistics closer to hand:
- In 2023, 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in accidents across the United States.
- That same year, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in the U.S.
- Based on these numbers, there were about 13 motorcycle injuries for every 1 motorcycle fatality. That works out to around 7% of motorcycle accidents resulting in death. However, this number does not include anyone involved in a low-speed crash, which would not result in any bodily injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents make up 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities, even though motorcycles are less than 5% of all vehicles on the road.
We imagine West Virginia’s numbers are similar to the national numbers. All told, the state probably has a fatality rate under 10% for motorcycles.
What Causes Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?
According to a report from the West Virginia legislature, roughly 30% of those killed in fatal motorcycle accidents did not have the right endorsement on their license. That could mean they lacked the necessary experience or skill and were partially to blame for the fatal accident. National data shows something similar: 34% involved in a fatal crash did not have a motorcycle license.
Other factors include alcohol. About 1 in 4 motorcyclists involved in a fatal accident had a high blood alcohol concentration. Around 40% of motorcyclists who died in a single-vehicle crash were alcohol impaired. Motorcyclists who are intoxicated are more likely to take risks, such as running a red light. They also struggle with impaired coordination and can lose control of their bike. This is why single-vehicle accident fatalities are so high. A motorcyclist can crash into a tree or building because alcohol prevents them from riding safely.
Another cause of death is a failure to wear a helmet. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of serious brain injury. West Virginia requires that motorcyclists wear a helmet, which should provide some protection. If you did not wear a helmet, then your loved one could be partially to blame for their death.
Although the number of motorcycle fatalities continues to climb, the number of registered motorcycles has also risen. That suggests that more people are dying in motorcycle accidents because more people are out riding.
How to Minimize Your Risk of a Fatal Accident
Based on our best data, fewer than 10% of all motorcycle accidents in West Virginia result in fatalities. However, non-fatal injuries are often significant. Someone can easily struggle with disabilities for the remainder of their life.
To reduce the risk of injury in a crash, we recommend:
- Get your motorcycle endorsement. In West Virginia, you will need to pass a written test and then either a skills test or take a course.
- Invest in a motorcycle that fits your body. Don’t ride one that is too big and hard to handle. Women, in particular, ride bikes that are too large.
- Ride regularly to keep your skills sharp and sign up for a safety course to improve your braking and handling ability.
- Avoid longer trips until you are ready. Fatigue is also a contributor to motorcycle accidents, so build up to a longer trip.
- Follow the rules of the road. That means observe the speed limit and don’t pass illegally, among other things.
- Wear a helmet that fits your head and meets the state’s guidelines.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin if you fall off the motorcycle.
Following these steps will reduce (although not eliminate) the risk of a serious injury.
Connect with a West Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases are complicated. One issue is whether the victim in some way caused or contributed to their demise. For example, the defendant might allege your loved one cut them off and caused an unavoidable collision. Or they point to a failure to wear a helmet as contributing to a fatal brain injury. Either way, the defendant is trying to avoid accountability for the death. And your loved one is no longer here with us to tell their side of the story.
Contact Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, today to schedule a consultation. Our West Virginia wrongful death lawyers can find evidence to reconstruct what happened. Our legal team can also negotiate with a negligent driver for a fair wrongful death settlement. We have helped many people injured in the 26330 zip code with motorcycle accidents, including fatal accidents. Call or submit your details online.
