Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Alabama Motorcycle Accident & Injury Attorney

Motorcycle accidents claim thousands of lives every year throughout the United States. In 2008 alone, 5,290 motorcyclists lost their lives and 96,000 were injured. Motorcyclist fatalities increased by 2% from the previous year. These statistics give weight to just how serious a motorcycle accident may be. In fact, a motorcyclist (either rider or passenger) is estimated to be approximately 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic accident. These and the following statistics were gathered and presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a leading authority on traffic safety and statistics in the U.S.

There were 95 motorcyclist fatalities in Alabama in 2008.
85% of the motorcyclists who lost their lives in Alabama motorcycle accidents were wearing safety helmets.
20% of the motorcyclists who were killed in traffic accidents in Alabama had a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater (above the legal limit to operate a vehicle.)
According to 2007 statistics, motorcyclists were approximately 9 times more likely to be injured in traffic accidents than drivers or occupants of passenger cars.
In 2008, 47% of motorcycles involved in fatal accidents throughout the U.S. involved a collision with another vehicle. 77% of these involved the motorcycle being struck in the front, and only 7% involved the motorcycle being struck in the rear.
Of all fatal two-vehicle motorcycle accidents in 2008 nationwide, 41% involved the other vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was proceeding straight, overtaking or passing the other vehicle.
In 2008, 35% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal traffic accidents were speeding (racing, driving too fast for road or weather conditions, or driving above the posted speed limit.)

Interested in learning more about motorcycle accidents and how an attorney can help you? Contact Alabama motorcycle accident lawyer Timothy A. Hughes today for a free consultation regarding your case.