At What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause extreme damage to riders as well as other individuals in and around the crash. For motorcycle riders and motorists at large who wish to do their part in preventing motorcycle accidents, knowing the speed at which motorcycle accidents tend to happen can be helpful in remaining cautious when it matters most.

At Mike Morse Law Firm, we care about promoting road safety and helping injured motorists secure suitable compensation if an accident does unfortunately occur. Knowing the correlation between motorcycle speeds and the likelihood of an accident can both keep you safe and help you secure a favorable legal outcome by establishing that the other party was driving too fast.

How Does the Speed Limit Affect the Odds of an Accident?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 29% of all crash fatalities in 2021 occurred in speed-related crashes. Higher speeds can make an accident more likely because there is a greater stopping distance for vehicles the faster they are traveling. There is less time for a driver to respond to crash risks when they are moving at a high speed, and this logic applies equally to motorcycle riders.

Aside from a vehicle’s respective speed, the speed limit of a stretch of road can also affect the odds of an accident. The speed at which an accident is likely to occur varies by area – for example, an area with a lower speed limit might commonly see accidents at lower speeds compared to a freeway where the speed limit is closer to 70mph. The IIHS points out that, regardless of the speed limit, drivers will commonly exceed the limit by 5 or 10mph. This makes it likely for a speed-related crash to occur in almost any type of location.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 50% of vehicle accidents happen in or near traffic intersections. This statistic applies just as much to motorcycle accidents as any other crash type. Motorcycles speeding through an intersection may even be at a greater risk of a collision due to their smaller frame, making them more difficult to notice for other drivers entering the intersection with the right-of-way.

Michigan law imposes a maximum speed limit of 55mph in urban areas. While recent authoritative data on the subject is scarce, the logical conclusion is that most motorcycle accidents happen around urban intersections at speeds of 55mph or lower.

What Injuries Are Common in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle riders receive less protection in an accident compared to passengers in a standard vehicle with a protective frame. This makes severe injuries much more common for riders, even if they are wearing a helmet or other safety gear. While the types of injuries one sustains may differ depending on whether the accident stems from a head-on collision, sideswipe or loss of control, some injuries may be possible regardless of the circumstances.

Some of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bruises, lacerations or rashes
• Internal damage

Even if you do not feel any pain or other symptoms of an injury after an accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries are not immediately apparent but may cause complications later if left untreated.

Who Is at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

While many motorcycle accidents are the result of at least one party speeding, there are other factors that can contribute to the likelihood of a crash. Distracted driving, driving under the influence and violating other traffic laws are all examples of negligence that contribute to a motorist’s fault for an accident. If the at-fault driver was speeding or exhibited these behaviors, then they are all the more likely to be liable.

When determining who bears fault for a motorcycle accident, keep in mind that Michigan follows a policy of comparative negligence for injury claims. This means that you can still recover compensation from another party who contributed to causing your accident even if the court also finds you to be partially at fault. The amount you can recover will be lower compared to the degree of fault assigned to you.

Is Lane Splitting a Factor in Motorcycle Accidents?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow or stationary vehicles. The practice is illegal on Michigan roads. Motorcyclists who split between lanes, particularly at high speeds or while exceeding the speed limit, may increase the likelihood of an accident. Most other drivers will not expect a motorcycle to approach between lanes, or the motorcycle might slip into a blind spot, making an accident likely if another vehicle attempts to change lanes at the same time.

Do Road Conditions and Time of Day Affect the Odds of an Accident?

While it is possible to deduce that many motorcycle accidents happen around intersections when vehicles are moving at 55mph or below, it is important to note that accidents become much more likely under certain conditions. Even a cautious motorcyclist adhering closely to the speed limit may experience an accident when the road is hazardous or visibility is low.

Nighttime driving poses unique risks for motorists operating any type of vehicle. Driving at sunset can also make accidents more likely, especially if you are driving into the sun. Motorcyclists can be particularly affected by potholes, debris and road construction because of the fewer points of contact a motorcycle has with the road itself.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help You?

If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, your primary concern should be to receive proper treatment and focus on achieving a stress-free recovery. While pursuing a personal injury claim may be necessary for recouping your financial losses, it is not conducive to getting the rest you need. Working closely with a motorcycle accident attorney at our firm ensures that you have a constant ally who can carry the legal burden for you.

Our team at Mike Morse Law Firm can support your case by:

• Investigating the circumstances around your motorcycle accident
• Collecting evidence to establish that the other party was speeding or otherwise negligent
• Helping you file your initial claim and complete other paperwork
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Advocating for you to receive a fair and satisfactory settlement

Involving a motorcycle accident attorney early on in the process can increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome for your case. Waiting too long to contact your lawyer can result in crucial evidence becoming lost to time or missing Michigan’s three-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents.

Contact Mike Morse Law Firm After Your Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can happen at any speed, with road conditions and speed limits affecting how likely an accident can be based on how fast a vehicle is moving. Considering that most motorcycle accidents happen at 55mph or lower, however, the likelihood of experiencing a collision during normal everyday driving is not something that any rider should underestimate. Our team at Mike Morse Law Firm is standing by to support you if sustain damages in a motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.