In 2012, there were about 8.5 million motorcycles on the road, and there were 4,986 fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes. This number went down in 2013 to 4,668, which represents a 6.4 percent decrease from 2012 to 2013. In addition, there were 88,000 injuries to those on a motorcycle, which is a 5.4 percent reduction from 2012.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, those on a motorcycle were 26 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident per mile traveled compared to those in a car accident. They were five times more likely to be hurt in a motorcycle accident compared to those in a car accident. Motorcyclists who were killed in traffic accidents made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2013.
The majority of those who were killed while on a motorcycle were over the age of 40. The number of motorcyclists over the age of 40 killed while on a motorcycle increased 63 percent between 2003 and 2012. In 2010, motorcycle accidents cost $16 billion. Loss of productivity was the largest contributor to these costs with lost wages, insurance costs and attorney costs also contributing to this number.
Those who are injured in a motorcycle accident may pursue compensation from the driver who caused the accident. It may be possible to earn compensation for lost wages, medical bills and the cost of seeking legal help to pursue a personal injury claim. A Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help a motorcyclist obtain the compensation that they are entitled to either in court during a trial or outside of court to obtain a negotiated settlement.