What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die and five times more likely to get injured than automobile occupants on a per-mile basis.

In other words, if you drive a car and ride a motorcycle the same distance, your probability of suffering a motorcycle crash injury is significantly higher than your probability of suffering a car crash injury.

While this relative risk provides useful information, it doesn’t describe the absolute risk of motorcycle accidents. Here’s more about what you need to know. 

Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Rates

In the state of Wisconsin in 2024, there were approximately 2,148 motorcycle crashes resulting in 103 deaths and 1,805 injuries. These figures help illustrate the scale of motorcycle-related harm, but they still do not reveal what percentage of all Wisconsin riders were involved in collisions. 

Factors like seasonal riding patterns, the number of registered motorcycles that aren’t actively ridden, and variations in rider behavior further complicate any attempt to calculate an exact percentage. In short, while crash statistics can highlight risk levels, there is no definitive percentage of motorcycle riders who get into accidents, either nationally or at the state level.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle crashes rarely happen for just one reason. Various environmental and human factors often overlap, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include: 

• Distracted driving by motorists or riders
• Speeding or aggressive maneuvering
• Impaired driving involving alcohol or drugs
• Vehicles turning left across a motorcycle’s path
• Sudden lane changes or blind-spot errors
• Road hazards like loose gravel, potholes, or uneven pavement

Taken together, these factors show how vulnerable riders can be—even when they’re traveling responsibly and watching for danger.

Injuries Often Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcycles offer little physical protection, riders are more vulnerable to severe injuries when collisions occur. Even with quality safety gear, the impact of being thrown from a motorcycle or struck by a larger vehicle can lead to significant harm.

Common injuries include:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Internal organ damage
• Soft-tissue injuries

These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. Even seemingly minor crashes can cause unexpected complications.

Tips To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

While no rider can eliminate all risks, certain safety practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident or lessen the severity of injuries if a crash occurs.

To give yourself the best chance at avoiding accidents and/or serious injuries, take the following precautions: 

• Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear, including gloves, boots, and abrasion-resistant clothing.
• Stay visible by wearing reflective gear, keeping your headlights on, and positioning yourself so that drivers can easily see you.
• Follow the speed limit and adjust for weather, road conditions, and heavy traffic.
• Avoid riding in blind spots, especially next to large trucks.
• Take motorcycle safety courses to strengthen defensive riding skills.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair judgment.
• Perform regular maintenance, including tire checks, brake inspections, and lighting tests.

These steps cannot prevent every crash, but they meaningfully reduce the odds of a collision and help riders respond more effectively to sudden hazards.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Collision

A crash can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and create a clear record. Strong documentation is especially important when injuries or liability disputes arise later.

Important steps to take after a motorcycle collision include:

• Calling 911 so police and medical responders can assist
• Receiving medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor
• Taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
• Exchanging information with the other driver
• Collecting names and contact details of witnesses
• Avoiding statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault
• Reporting the crash to your insurance company promptly

Following these steps helps ensure your safety and strengthens any claim you may need to pursue later.

Get Legal Help From a Madison Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents in Wisconsin often raise complex questions about liability and compensation. Speaking with a Madison motorcycle accident lawyer after a collision can help you understand your options and protect your rights throughout the process.

To learn more, contact Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. 

We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.

Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Madison, WI 
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 43.0772892, -89.3811534,17