Mark Casto | October 28, 2026 | Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, even at low speeds. Unlike people in cars, riders have little protection from the force of a crash. They also face risks from road hazards and drivers who fail to see them.
Knowing what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents can help put these risks into perspective. While national crash data shows how often crashes occur, it does not tell us the exact share of riders who have an accident each year.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in the United States?
Motorcycle crashes cause thousands of injuries and deaths across the country each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 6,335 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in 2023. These deaths made up about 15% of all traffic deaths that year.
However, motorcycles account for a much smaller share of vehicles on U.S. roads. This gap shows how serious the risks can be for riders. Crash data also includes injuries and property damage. However, not every motorcycle accident is reported to the police, so the total number of crashes may be higher.
Are Motorcycles More Dangerous Than Cars?
Motorcyclists face a greater risk of death or serious injury than people in passenger cars. According to NHTSA, motorcyclists were nearly 28 times more likely to die in a traffic crash per vehicle mile traveled than passenger car occupants in 2023.
Several factors help explain this difference. Cars have seat belts, airbags, and frames that help protect people during a crash. Motorcycles lack these features, leaving riders exposed to direct contact with vehicles and the road.
Motorcycles can also be harder for other drivers to see. A driver who fails to check a blind spot or judge a rider’s speed may cause a serious collision.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes can result from unsafe driving, rider errors, or poor road conditions. In some cases, several factors contribute to the same accident.
Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to yield at intersections
- Unsafe lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or following too closely
- Driving under the influence
- Loose gravel, potholes, or road debris
- Poor visibility during bad weather
Left-turn crashes are another concern. A driver may turn across a rider’s path after failing to notice the motorcycle or judge its distance.
Finding out what caused the crash can help show who was at fault and whether the injured rider has a legal claim.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia?
Motorcycle crashes occur throughout Georgia. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provides state crash data and information about motorcycle safety. Riders in Georgia travel on busy city streets, rural roads, and major highways. Each setting presents different risks, from heavy traffic to sharp curves and poor road surfaces.
Drivers who fail to yield, change lanes without looking, or follow motorcycles too closely can put riders at risk.
Does Wearing a Helmet Reduce Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Helmets cannot prevent accidents, but they can lower the risk of serious head injuries. Georgia requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear approved helmets. Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-315, riders must use protective headgear that meets state safety standards.
A helmet helps absorb some of the force when a rider’s head strikes the road or another object. Head injuries can lead to memory problems, trouble with movement, and lasting health issues. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can help reduce these risks.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?
An injured rider may have the right to seek compensation if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
Depending on the injuries and other losses, compensation may cover:
- Medical bills and hospital care
- Lost wages during recovery
- Future treatment and therapy
- Loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule.
Under Georgia Code Section 51-12-33, a person who is 50% or more at fault cannot recover damages. Someone who is less than 50% at fault may recover damages, but the amount is reduced by their share of fault.
Police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical records can help show what happened and how the crash affected the rider.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm To Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There is no reliable national figure showing what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents each year. However, federal data shows that riders face a much greater risk of death per mile traveled than people in passenger cars.
Wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, and watching for road hazards can help lower the risk of injury. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash, Georgia law may allow the injured rider to seek compensation for their losses.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
